Senior Laboratory Research Scientist

The Francis Crick Institute; City Of London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research institute in the UK is seeking a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist to lead a research project focused on micro-engineered platforms for studying angiogenesis. The ideal candidate will have expertise in vascular biology or microfabrication techniques, complemented by strong microscopy skills. The role includes overseeing lab operations and training others, with a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Defined contribution pension

Health and well-being support

Discounted gym memberships

Childcare support allowance

Qualifications

• Experience in primary endothelial cell culture and in vitro assays or microfabrication.
• Ability to perform photolithography and soft lithography techniques.
• High proficiency in microscopy and image analysis.

Responsibilities

• Utilise microfabricated cell patterning assays for research.
• Perform cell culture and transfection experiments.
• Organise laboratory supplies and maintenance.

Skills

Vascular biology and angiogenesis

Microfabrication techniques

Confocal microscopy

Education

Degree in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related subject

Job description

Salary for this Role: LRS level from £36,535 per annum plus benefits, SLRS level from £45,700 per annum plus benefits

Job Title: Senior/Laboratory Research Scientist

Reports to: Katie Bentley

Closing Date: 21/Oct/2025 23.59 GMT

Job Description

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.

We are looking for a highly experienced, enthusiastic and self-motivated Laboratory Research Scientist to join the experimental side of our computational modelling lab. The research project is primarily focused on expanding our in vitro micro-engineered platforms to investigate collective cell patterning/decision dynamics during angiogenesis.

About the role

You will be involved in your own research project as well as overseeing and managing the day to day running of the small experimental side of the lab, training/supporting other lab members, performing experiments, with varying levels of wetlab experience and collaborating with computer modellers and data analysts in the lab.

We are looking for candidates with strong expertise in either vascular biology and angiogenesis or microfabrication and micropatterning techniques for cell-based assays. A willingness to learn and develop skills in the complementary area is essential, through training and collaboration within our team. Good experience with microscopy is also required for this role.

Responsibilities

• Utilise our optimised microfabricated cell patterning assays to answer new questions in cell patterning dynamics during angiogenesis.
• Perform photolithography and soft lithography techniques to generate microfabricated devices.
• Perform standard in vitro cell based experiments including cell culture, stable transfection using lentiviral transduction, transient DNA and siRNA transfection, western blotting, immunefluorescent staining, confocal imaging.
• Organisation of the laboratory including ordering laboratory supplies and reagents and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Liaise with Crick STPs, other lab members and Crick staff.
• Training new lab members, where needed.

About you

• A degree in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related subject.
• Experience in at least one of the following: primary endothelial cell culture and in vitro assays or microfabrication and microfluidic devices, including photolithography and soft lithography.
• High proficiency and competence with confocal microscopy and other imaging techniques, including basic image analysis and data processing.
• The ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse team including engineers and computational modellers.
• Able to work confidently and independently.

What we offer

• 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.
• 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.

We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences.