Confocal Manager (Laboratory Research Scientist)

The Francis Crick Institute; Greater London; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Francis Crick Institute is seeking a Confocal Manager to optimise and maintain a fleet of advanced confocal microscopes, enabling cutting-edge research. You will perform quality control, troubleshoot issues, and liaise with service engineers and researchers to ensure high performance and reliability.

This hands-on role combines instrument maintenance, data analysis, and collaboration with industry partners, supporting international projects in microscope control and quality management.

Qualifications

• Degree or practical experience in physics or engineering.
• Experience with technical instruments.
• Familiarity with basic statistics.
• Strong teamwork and independent working ability.
• Project management and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Good organisation and time management.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets (Google/Excel).

Responsibilities

• Acquire and analyse standardized images of test samples, designed to capture key features of instrument performance.
• Maintain a record of system performance for each confocal microscope under our care.
• Coordinate with local users to understand instrument performance issues.
• Coordinate with service engineers to arrange equipment repairs and follow up to ensure these are done correctly.
• Evaluate new methods for routine microscope maintenance.
• Inspect and clean microscope components, including objectives, eyepieces, and peripherals.
• Replenish lab consumables, including lens tissues and immersion oil.
• Install and update software.
• Implement web based projects for internal viewing and comparison

Skills

Degree in physics/engineering

Technical instruments

Statistics

Teamwork

Project management

Communication

Organisational skills

Spreadsheet analysis

Education

Degree in physics/engineering

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

Reporting to:

Head of Crick Advanced Light Microscopy

Working pattern

This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment

Salary:

From £37,735 per annum with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Application closing date:

20th of October 2026 at 23:59

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

We are seeking a Confocal Manager to help optimise and maintain a fleet of advanced point- and array-scanning confocal microscopes, which enable the world leading research conducted by our research labs.

You will play an important role in ensuring our imaging platform delivers the high level of confocal microscope performance and reliability required by our researchers. This is a varied, hands-on position that combines microscope quality control, technical troubleshooting, close interaction with service engineers, and quality assurance. The first component of this role is regular quality control testing of 15 – 20 confocal microscopes managed either by CALM or individual Crick research groups. When problems with confocal performance are identified, through your work or reports from others, you will perform preliminary troubleshooting and initiate discussion with service engineering teams as required. Working closely with facility staff, microscope champions based in research groups, and industry partners, you will become a key contact for instrument performance and contribute directly to the success of cutting-edge scientific research. You will have the chance to contribute to international projects focused on the future of microscope control and quality management, gaining valuable exposure to both the research and commercial microscopy sectors.

This opportunity would suit an early career engineer, physicist, or technical specialist who is curious about how complex technologies work and enjoys solving practical problems. You will develop specialist expertise in advanced microscopy while supporting researchers who are tackling some of the biggest challenges in biomedical science. The role offers a unique blend of quality control, technical problem-solving, and close collaboration with commercial partners, making it ideal for someone who enjoys helping others, building relationships, and making a tangible impact through their work.

What you will be doing:

You will

• Acquire and analyse standardized images of test samples, designed to capture key features of instrument performance
• Maintain a record of system performance for each confocal microscope under our care
• Coordinate with local users to understand instrument performance issues
• Coordinate with service engineers to arrange equipment repairs and follow up to ensure these are done correctly
• Evaluate new methods for routine microscope maintenance
• Inspect and clean microscope components, including objectives, eyepieces, and peripherals
• Replenish lab consumables, including lens tissues and immersion oil.
• Install and update software.
• Implement web based projects for internal viewing and comparison

About you

You will have:

• A degree or experience in physics, engineering, or a related subject/field*
• Some experience working with technical instruments*
• Familiarity with basic statistics*
• Ability to work effectively within a team and to work independently
• Project management skills, including the ability to prioritise work
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and problem-solve
• Excellent organisational and time management skills*
• Ability to work with and analyse spreadsheets (Google & Excel)*

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 are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and 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: [e-mail]

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:

• 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%.
• 24/7 GP consultation services.
• Occupational health services and mental health support programs.
• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Work-Life Balance:
• Childcare support allowance.
• Annual leave purchase options.
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.