Confocal Manager (Laboratory Research Scientist)

crick; Greater London; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Crick Institute in London is seeking a Confocal Manager to optimize and maintain a fleet of advanced point- and array-scanning confocal microscopes, enabling cutting-edge biomedical research in our labs.

You will perform routine quality control, troubleshooting, and coordination with service engineers, researchers, and industry partners, contributing to high reliability and performance across our imaging platforms.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in physics, engineering or a related field.
• Experience with technical instruments is desirable.
• Familiarity with basic statistics is advantageous.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Project management and prioritisation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Creative problem-solving and organisational abilities.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets (Google Sheets/Excel).

Responsibilities

• Acquire and analyse standardized images of test samples to measure instrument performance.
• Maintain a record of system performance for each confocal microscope.
• Coordinate with local users to understand instrument performance issues.
• Coordinate with service engineers to arrange repairs and follow up on completion.
• Evaluate new methods for routine microscope maintenance.
• Inspect and clean microscope components including objectives and eyepieces.
• Replenish lab consumables such as lens tissues and immersion oil.
• Install and update software.
• Implement web-based projects for internal viewing and comparison.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Project management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Time management

Spreadsheet analysis

Education

Degree in Physics or Engineering

Tools

Google Sheets

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Salary for this Role: From £37,735 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Job Title: Confocal Manager (Laboratory Research Scientist)

Reports to: Donald Bell

Reporting to: Head of Crick Advanced Light Microscopy

Closing Date: 20/Oct/2026 23.59 GMT

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

• 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)*

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