Laboratory Research Scientist

Francis Crick Institute Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Pension contributions up to 16%

Health & wellbeing services

Childcare support options

Crick Networks and inclusive events

Discounted gym memberships

On-site restaurant and social spaces

Job summary

The Francis Crick Institute in London is seeking a Laboratory Research Scientist to join a large-scale project studying how small molecules affect the survival of Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae. This early-career role offers hands-on experience in molecular microbiology, high-throughput screening and data analysis within a cutting-edge environment.

You will work with Crick scientists, contribute to antimicrobial research, and develop skills across sequencing, data processing and laboratory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biological engineering or related field.
• Hands-on experience with PCR, cloning and DNA extraction, plus microbial culture.
• Experience with sequencing and high-throughput experimental approaches.
• Ability to work with bacterial pathogens under containment and maintain accurate records.
• Strong organisation, communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology and microbiology experiments including strain construction and growth assays.
• Support high-throughput and phenotypic screening activities.
• Prepare sequencing libraries and screening plates.
• Process, quality-check and analyse experimental data.
• Contribute to method development and troubleshooting of protocols.
• Maintain accurate lab records and keep the workspace organised.
• Collaborate with scientists across the lab, Crick technology platforms and external partners.

Skills

Molecular biology

Microbiology

PCR & cloning

NGS & high-throughput

Data analysis

Organization

Communication & teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular biology or related field

Job description

Salary for this Role: Salary: From £36,535 per annum with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Job Title: Laboratory Research Scientist

Reports to: Eachan Johnson

Closing Date: 04/Nov/2026 23.59 GMT

Contract term: This is a full-time/part-time, fixed term (3 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

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 Systems Chemical Biology of Infection and Resistance Lab

The lab, which opened in January 2021 and is supported by Crick core funding, the UKRI Horizon Europe Guarantee, BBSRC and the Gates Foundation, explores how pathogenic bacteria survive and cause infection. Working at the interface of genetics, chemical biology and machine learning, the team develops small molecules to disrupt key bacterial processes and understand their impact on survival, infection and resistance. We have developed approaches to study multiple bacterial pathogens in parallel, with a primary focus on Klebsiella pneumoniae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The work aims to inform next‑generation antimicrobial therapies.

About the role

We are looking for a Laboratory Research Scientist to join a large‑scale project investigating how small molecules affect the survival of the Gram‑negative Klebsiella pneumoniae. The project forms part of Gr‑ADI, an international collaborative programme working to accelerate the discovery of new treatments for bacterial infections. This is a great opportunity for an early‑career scientist to develop hands‑on experience in molecular microbiology, high‑throughput screening and data analysis, while contributing to research with the potential to inform new antibacterial therapies.

What you’ll be doing

• Perform molecular biology and microbiology experiments, including strain construction and growth assays.
• Support high‑throughput and phenotypic screening experiments.
• Prepare sequencing libraries and screening plates.
• Process, quality‑check and analyse experimental data.
• Contribute to method development, troubleshooting and laboratory protocols.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and help keep the laboratory organised.
• Work closely with scientists across the lab, Crick technology, platforms and external collaborators.

About you Essential:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biological engineering or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, cloning and DNA extraction, alongside microbial culture.
• Experience with next‑generation sequencing and high‑throughput experimental approaches.
• Experience handling bacterial pathogens under containment.
• Strong organisation, record‑keeping and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow and improve experimental protocols and deliver agreed work independently.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated motivation to contribute to antibacterial drug discovery research.

Desirable

• Familiarity with high‑throughput screening, automation, liquid handling or plate‑based assays.
• Basic data analysis skills using R, Python or similar.
• Experience working with external collaborators.

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.

What will you receive?

• 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.
• Career support: Laboratory Research Scientist Career Development Framework

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

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute researching the biology underlying human health. At the Crick, scientists and staff collaborate to stretch the very limits of what we know about how life works. Our work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections and neurodegenerative diseases. The Francis Crick Institute is a charity, founded by the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King’s College London.