Laboratory Research Scientist

Laboratory Research Scientist in the ImmunoSurveillance Lab

Reports to: Adrian Hayday

Contact term: This is a full-time, fixed term position for up to 12 months on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Summary

A position is immediately available for a fixed-term Laboratory Research Scientist (LRS) in the ImmunoSurveillance laboratory, headed by Professor Adrian Hayday. The lab is located at The Francis Crick Institute in London and focuses on investigating tissue-associated T cells and their contributions to protection against epithelial perturbations that characterise inflammatory diseases and cancers.

The post holder will work under the supervision of Professor Hayday and Dr Vivien Kohlhaas, providing experimental support in a state-of-the-art model system study seeking to dissect how the dysregulation of local intestinal T cells may combine with altered diet to provoke gut inflammation. The hypothesis that this may be an important axis in inflammatory bowel disease, and potentially in colorectal cancer, is fuelled by epidemiologic data and our own genetic and imunological studies of human patients. The ideal candidate is likely to be a pro-active, focused and productive individual, motivated by the development and study of a model system to better understand complex human disease. They will also be motivated by the collegial and collaborative work environment, that uses a team ethic to nurture and promote individual excellence. Excellent time management, communication, attention to detail and organisation skills are essential.

The Research Group

Professor Hayday's laboratory discovered specific proteins expressed by epithelial cells that regulate the composition and activity of gamma delta T cells that naturally populate body surfaces in model animals and in humans. His team is responsible for the 'Lymphoid Stress Surveillance' hypothesis (PMID) that has more recently led to the concept of "normality sensing" (PMID). These concepts describe how tissue-associated T cells recognise and respond rapidly to perturbations of epithelial cells that may occur in response to infection or physical and/or chemical stress. Although under-explored, this biology appears fundamental, being conserved as far back as jawless (agnathan) vertebrates. Moreover, the group has provided substantial scientific evidence that this biology can in humans make significant contributions to tumour surveillance and to protection against severe forms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Wu et al, 2022 PMID:

Hayday et al., 2024 PMID:

Dart et al., 2023 PMID:

Details of research projects currently being undertaken can be seen at:

Key responsibilities

These include but are not limited to:

• Contribute to specific research projects under the Group Leader's supervision

• Contribute to tissue-culture experiments in which the responses of T cells to different stimuli are studied. Generation of stable stimulator cell lines

• Analysis of cell activation in an in vitro culture system using flow cytometry

• Contribute to omics experiments

• Contribute to data analysis

• Supporting some aspects of in vivo experiments, including tissue collection, processing and analysis.

• Keep accurate records of all work carried out.

• Attend and contribute to group meetings, journal club and interest group meetings.

Key experience and competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, open and collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential

• BSc or MSc in Immunology, Metabolism, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or Molecular Biology

• Proficiency in key aspects of cell culture and sterile technique

• Fluent with PCR and other basic molecular techniques

• Experience in flow cytometry

• Firm understanding of experimental design principles

• Strong quantiatational skills

• Growing capacity and desire to work independently, and also be capable of interacting within a group

• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills

• Ability to describe and present data

Desirable

• A PhD

• Experience doing experimental research in a field involving immunology, metabolism, and/or molecular biology

• Experience with epithelial cell biology

• Experience with lentivirus/retrovirus production and application to mammalian cells

• Experience with animal handling and tissue processing

• Holder of UK Animal scientific procedures personal licence

The post involves undertaking specific research projects, under the guidance of the Group Leader and his post-doctoral associate, Dr Kohlhaas. Applicants should have demonstrated a growing capacity to carry out independent basic research projects once the goals and approaches are clearly outlined.

About Us

At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.

We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners.

We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise.

We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.

• If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website .

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We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

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