(Senior) Laboratory Research Scientist - Bioarchaeologist

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

Job summary

A leading biomedical research institute in London seeks a (Senior) Laboratory Research Scientist - Bioarchaeologist. This role involves managing collaborations, sampling ancient human remains, and conducting research in a dynamic lab setting. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and experience in human osteology. Competitive salary with generous benefits offered.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme with contributions

Health and well-being services

Discounted gym memberships

Childcare support allowance

Qualifications

• Experience with human osteology and/or skeletal sampling.
• Background in archaeology or history in the UK, mainland Europe, or other relevant regions.
• Strong project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Searching the literature and collections for relevant samples.
• Establishing and managing collaborations.
• Providing sample access administration.
• Sampling visits with partner groups and institutions.
• Following ethical handling of human remains.

Skills

Human osteology

Project management

Collaborative work

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

BSc or MSc in Archaeology or Bioarchaeology

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 - Bioarchaeologist

Reports to:

Pontus Skoglund

Closing Date:

26/Aug/2025 23.59 GMT

Job Description:

(Senior) Laboratory Research Scientist - Bioarcheologist

Reporting to: Pontus Skoglund, Senior Group Leader

Contract term: This is a full-time, fixed term (2 year) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

The role is advertised as a (Senior) Laboratory Research Scientist; the appropriate level will be assigned to the successful candidate subject to skills and experience.

LRS: Applies specific technical or practical skills and has a well-developed working knowledge of technical or scientific practices and procedures acquired through on-the-job, vocational or academic training. Work will involve the application of skills and knowledge to provide a range of technical support activities.

SLRS: Applies an in-depth knowledge of research, technical or other scientific practices, methods and procedures gained through either experience and/or formal academic qualifications and applies this knowledge to provide a range of specialist activities.

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

The Skoglund Ancient Genomics lab (www.skoglundlab.org) is a dynamic team with backgrounds in computational biology, molecular biology and archaeology, with state-of-the-art computational infrastructure and bioinformatic support. The lab sequences ancient DNA from thousands of samples every year. The Francis Crick Institute (www.crick.ac.uk) is the largest biomedical institute under one roof in Europe.

The S/LRS role is varied and you will have the chance to contribute to the lab's projects on ancient human and pathogen DNA from human remains from Britain, mainland Europe and/or other regions: including prehistory, antiquity, and medieval periods. You would be managing collaborations with museums, universities and commercial archaeological sites to source ancient human remains. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to sample bone and teeth fragments to extract DNA.

If you have a degree in archaeology, ancient DNA or a related field, we would love to hear from you!

Please see the full job description here.

What you will be doing

As an S/LRS at the Crick, you will be:

• Searching the literature and collections for relevant samples

• Establishing and managing collaborations (maintaining communication and returning results)

• Providing sample access administration

• Undergoing sampling visits with partner groups and institutions

• Following ethical handling of human remains (BABAO guidelines)

• Skeletal sample cataloguing, storage, and returning of samples

• Sampling of bone and teeth with a fine dentistry drill, retrieval of inner ear ossicles

About you

You will have:

• BSc or MSc in Archaeology, Bioarchaeology or a related field(e.g. biomolecular archaeology, human osteology)

• Experience with human osteology and/or skeletal sampling

• Background in archaeology or history in the UK, mainland Europe or other relevant regions

• Strong project management skills

• Ability to work collaboratively

• Excellent organisational skills
• Good interpersonal skills

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, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently.

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

• We arecollegial. 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. 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]

Find out more about life at the Crick.

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:

• 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.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.

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