Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist

The Francis Crick Institute; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Francis Crick Institute seeks a Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist to lead innovative research on heart development using advanced imaging technologies. This role involves developing new techniques and collaborating with a diverse team in a dynamic research environment.

Benefits

Generous Leave

Pension Scheme

Health & Well-being Programs

Work-Life Balance Support

Discounted Gym Memberships

Subsidised On-site Restaurant

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in relevant fields.
• Proven expertise in advanced microscopy and image analysis.
• Experience in embryological techniques and gene editing.

Responsibilities

• Develop new tools for advanced imaging and analysis.
• Lead independent research projects.
• Contribute to collaborative lab projects and publications.

Skills

Cell Biology

Developmental Biology

Biophysics

Quantitative Image Analysis

Molecular Biology

Education

PhD in Cell Biology

PhD in Developmental Biology

PhD in Biophysics

Tools

Confocal Microscopy

Light-Sheet Microscopy

Gene Editing

Job description

Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist

Details of the role: This is a full-time, fixed term (two 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 role

We are seeking an experienced Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist to join our team. In this role, you will both lead your own independent project(s) and contribute to the development of innovative tools and technologies that advance the lab's research program. You will be part of a collaborative and diverse group dedicated to uncovering how a functional, beating heart is formed during development. Your work will involve applying in-depth technical expertise in cutting-edge imaging technologies, image analysis techniques, and biophysical approaches. The specific goals and direction of the project(s) will be shaped in close consultation with the supervisor and tailored to your background and interests.

The heart is the first organ to form and function during embryonic development. A key step during vertebrate heart development is chamber maturation – a poorly-understood morphogenetic process critical for heart function. During this process, the myocardial wall of the ventricle and atrium transforms from a single-layered epithelium into a complex 3D topological meshwork architecture (Priya et al., 2021, Nature; bioRxiv2024.07.24.604962; bioRxiv, 2025.03. 07.641942). How this topological complexity is achieved is unknown, as are the underlying mechanisms that shape these crucial anatomical structures. In our lab, we aim to unravel the underlying mechanical, molecular and geometric interactions that transform a developing heart from a simple epithelium into a highly intricate functional organ. We combine the excellent tractability of zebrafish embryos with quantitative imaging, transcriptomics, biophysics, genetics, and predictive theoretical modelling to answer fundamental questions driving organ morphogenesis.

What you will be doing:

As aPPRS you will:

• Develop and establish new tools and techniques – advanced 4D live imaging of zebrafish hearts, image analysis pipelines, biophysical methods for measuring mechanical forces, and gene-editing tools.
• Conceptualize and lead research project(s)
• Provide expert guidance and technical support to lab members, fostering knowledge exchange and skill development.
• Contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis, both in the lab and with external collaborators.
• Actively contribute to the development and publication of scientific manuscripts
• Help cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating lab environment.

About you

You will bring

• PhD (or near completion) in cell biology, developmental biology, or biophysics.
• Proven expertise in advanced confocal and light-sheet microscopy, as shown by publications.
• Strong expertise in quantitative image analysis techniques.
• Excellent skills in molecular biology.
• Experience in embryological techniques (zebrafish/fly/mouse) as well as gene editing methods.
• Demonstrated ability to write scientific papers, as shown by publications and/or preprints in relevant fields.

See the full job description here

See more about the team 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 arebold. We make space for creative,dynamicand imaginative ideas and approaches.We’renot afraid to do things differently.

• We areopen.We’rehighly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.

• We arecollegial. We show respect for one another, workcooperativelyand 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. Weare aDisability Confident: Committedemployer andwant to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and sowe'llmake reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you needassistancewith applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post)please email: [e-mail]

To find out more about life at the Crick clickhere.

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 threeadditionaldays 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,communityand 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 structurebased on skills and experience.