Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist

The Francis Crick Institute; City Of London; On-site; GBP 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research institute in London seeks a Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist to develop therapeutic approaches for CDKL5 deficiency. The role requires a PhD in a relevant field and skills in molecular biology and rodent behavioural analysis. Join a collaborative team fostering innovative research with excellent support for diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Generous leave

Pension scheme

Health & well-being support

Work-life balance initiatives

Discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• PhD in biology or related discipline, or in final stages of PhD submission.
• Good knowledge of molecular biology skills.
• Experience in rodent behavioural analysis.

Responsibilities

• Run a translational project for CDKL5 deficiency disorder.
• Use transgenic mice and gene expression manipulation.
• Lead own projects and assist PhD students.

Skills

Molecular biology skills

Rodent behavioural analysis

Data presentation

Education

PhD in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience or related discipline

Job description

Salary

£45,500 per annum subject to skills and experience, with benefits

Job Title

Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist

Reports to

Sila Ultanir

Closing Date

30/Sept/2025 23:59 GMT

Job Description

Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist - Ultanir Lab (Francis Crick Institute) & Isalan Lab (Imperial College London)

Reporting to: Sila Ultanir, Senior Group Leader & Mark Isalan, Professor

Contact term: This is a full-time, fixed term (2-year) 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 role

This role is a joint collaboration between Sila Ultanir at the Francis Crick Institute and Mark Isalan at Imperial.

We are recruiting a motivated postdoctoral scientist to join the labs of Kinases and Brain Development at the Francis Crick Institute, London, UK and Mark Isalan at Imperial College London. The postdoctoral scientist will run a translational project to develop therapeutic approaches for CDKL5 deficiency disorder using genetic perturbations in mouse models.

The Ultanir lab studies the roles of protein kinases in neuronal development and function. A major focus in the lab is understanding the functions of a serine/threonine kinase CDKL5, which is enriched in the brain. The Isalan lab has long worked on a zinc finger engineering platform for gene therapy (PMID 11433278, 23054839, 27600816). Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) can be engineered to make tools to control genes via viral vector delivery, especially using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs).

A major goal of the project is to develop ZFPs which can upregulate CDKL2 mRNA expression and test if these can rescue molecular, cellular and behavioural defects in CDKL5 deficiency mouse models.

The behavioural phenotypes of CDKL5 knockout mouse models have been well-characterized by multiple laboratories. The postdoctoral researcher will use transgenic mice and/or manipulation of gene expression by virus and/or ASO injections in developing brains and test if such treatments can rescue behavioural phenotypes. The project will aim to test CDKL2 as well as genes downstream of CDKL5 as potential therapeutics. Postdoctoral researcher will lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis and help train PhD students.

To see the full job description, click here.

About you

You will have:

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience or a related discipline or in the final stages of PhD submission*
• Good knowledge of molecular biology skills*
• Experience in rodent behavioural analysis*
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals*
• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings

• Experience in in utero embryonic or neonatal brain injections in rodents (Desirable)

*Minimum Criteria

To see more about the lab, 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: [e-mail]

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.
• Perks:
• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.