Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Findlay Lab

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS)

Details of the role: Permanent, full-time. Working pattern: Monday - Friday.

Salary: Between £39,950 and £48,825 dependent on skills and experience

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe's largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We've removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

Studies of how genetic variants alter function have been historically hindered by limited means of genome editing. Now, CRISPR technologies present unprecedented opportunity to characterize human variants experimentally. Our lab drives progress in this area by developing high-throughput methods that enable us to test the effects of up to tens of thousands of variants per experiment.

With generous funding from Cancer Research UK, we are collaboratively studying 100,000s of human variants across more than 15 cancer susceptibility genes. In the near term, research led by the successful candidate will include developing new assays to functionally characterize variants in many of these genes. The successful candidate will learn and apply cutting-edge technologies the lab has developed to genes that currently lack scalable functional assays.

We are looking for an experienced scientist who has performed substantial lab-based research in genomics, genetics, molecular biology, stem cell biology, bioengineering, cancer biology, cell biology, or a related area. In-depth experience with current molecular biology methods, cell culture, and omics data analysis will prove highly beneficial. Familiarity with standard molecular biology methods is required, though specific experience with genome editing is unnecessary.

Considerable flexibility and support will be given for skills development and for proposing future lines of study. The successful applicant will benefit highly from the thriving research environment of the lab, the broader Crick community, and the Institute's excellent scientific technology platforms (STPs).

What you will be doing

As an SLRS at the Crick, you will:

• Manage day to day lab operations

• Conduct research using cutting-edge technologies

• Analyse large experimental data sets

• Develop your own skills and propose future lines of study

About you

You will bring

• PhD or equivalent independent research experience in molecular biology, genetics/genomics, bioengineering, cancer biology, or a related field

• Expertise in molecular biology methods including PCR and molecular cloning

• Experience with the basics of mammalian cell culture

• Some experience with basic bioinformatics tools and/or data analysis

• Successful record of contributions to research

To see the complete job description click here.

To see more about team/Group Leader click here .

About Working at the Crick

Our values

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick's mission and shaping our culture!

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We're not afraid to do things differently.

• We are open. We're highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email:

To find out more about life at the Crick click here .

What will you receive?

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.

• Health & Well-being:

• 24/7 GP consultation services.

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs.

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.

• Work-Life Balance:

• Back-up care for dependents.

• Childcare support allowance.

• Annual leave purchase options.

• Crick Networks offering diverse groups' support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks:

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

• Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure with performance-linked progression.

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

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.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute's success.

The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.

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