Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Cell Science STP
The Francis Crick Institute
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The Francis Crick Institute is seeking a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist for the Cell Science STP. This permanent position includes responsibilities such as managing large-scale cell culture and supporting researchers with scientific and technical expertise.
Applicants should possess a PhD in cell physiology and strong skills in tissue culture, as well as experience in mentoring and collaborative problem-solving. The successful candidate will benefit from a supportive work environment and extensive employee benefits.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in tissue culture environments.
- Proficient in optimising large-scale workflows.
- Strong troubleshooting skills in cell culture.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of the Cell Science STP.
- Provide technical support and troubleshoot challenges.
- Implement quality control processes and SOP compliance.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Reporting to: Manuela Natoli, Head of Cell Science
Contract term: This is a full‑time permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
Salary for this Role: From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience
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.
There are 19 Science Technology Platforms (STPs) at the Crick, providing scientists with unparalleled support to help streamline research and accelerate discovery.
The Cell Science STP is a unique facility delivering cell lines, large‑scale cell culture production and tissue culture services to researchers across the institute. By providing high‑quality, consistent and rigorously controlled cell culture support, the team enables scientists to focus on their research while ensuring robust and reproducible experimental standards.
Working closely with research groups and other STPs, the team combines deep technical expertise with a collaborative service focused approach. The platform continually evolves its capabilities by introducing new technologies, adapting to scientific advances and proactively responding to the changing needs of Crick science.
We are seeking a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS) to support the scientific, operational and technical delivery of the Cell Science STP.
Working closely with the STP Lead, Deputy Head and Principal Laboratory Research Scientist (PLRS), you will play a key role in the management and development of large‑scale cell culture production, ensuring the platform continues to deliver an outstanding service to researchers across the institute.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced scientist with strong expertise in tissue culture and large‑scale cell production who enjoys combining hands‑on scientific work with mentoring, troubleshooting, collaboration and continuous improvement.
You will be responsible for:
- Supporting the day‑to‑day operation of the Cell Science STP and large‑scale cell culture production workflows.
- Providing scientific and technical support to researchers and the wider laboratory team.
- Troubleshooting complex cell culture and technical challenges across the platform.
- Implementing and improving quality control processes and ensuring SOP compliance.
- Supporting staff training, mentoring and development.
- Building collaborations with research groups and supporting new services and technologies across the institute.
- Contributing to reporting, workflow optimisation and continuous improvement activities within the facility.
You will have:
- PhD or equivalent experience in cell physiology or a related discipline, with extensive experience working in tissue culture environments.
- Strong practical expertise in large‑scale cell culture systems including bioreactors, wave bags and spinners.
- Extensive experience optimising and troubleshooting small and large‑scale cell culture workflows.
- Strong scientific knowledge of techniques such as real‑time PCR, ELISA and Western Blot.
- Experience working in containment level 2 laboratory environments.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing activities and meet deadlines.
- Experience supporting scientific service delivery and collaborating with research communities.
- Experience training, mentoring or supporting junior staff members.
- Excellent communication skills with a collaborative and proactive approach to team working.
- Excellent attention to detail and a strong customer‑focused mindset.
- Experience with specialised cell culture techniques such as organoids, spheroids, organ‑on‑chip systems or co‑cultures.
- Experience with cell culture automation or iPSC workflows.
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.
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%.
- 24/7 GP consultation services.
- Occupational health services and mental health support programs.Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
- Work‑Life Balance:
- Childcare support allowance.
- Annual leave purchase options.
- Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
- 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 structure based on skills and experience.
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.
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