Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Specialist Virology Researcher (SLRS)

The Francis Crick Institute; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Francis Crick Institute is seeking a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist specializing in virology. The role involves managing virological assays and contributing to significant research initiatives. Candidates should hold a PhD and have extensive laboratory experience, particularly in cell-based assays and data analysis.

Benefits

Visa sponsorship for eligible applicants

28 days annual leave plus additional days

Defined contribution pension scheme with employer contributions

Health and well-being services

Work-life balance support

Gym discounts and bike schemes

Opportunities for training and mentoring

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in relevant scientific disciplines.
• Extensive experience in applicable laboratory techniques.
• Strong data analysis and visualization skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve the microneutralisation assay pipeline.
• Isolate and characterize SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.
• Develop and execute research projects.

Skills

Cell-based assays

Tissue culture

Immunofluorescence techniques

Data analysis

Visualization skills using R and/or Python

Education

PhD in virology, immunology, or high-throughput methodologies

Job description

Job Title:

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Specialist Virology Researcher (SLRS)

Details of the role

Full-time, permanent. Working pattern: Monday - Friday.

Salary

From £45,700 pa with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Application closing date

23/06/23 59 GMT

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 fosters collaboration, innovation, and exploration across disciplines. It supports researchers with state-of-the-art infrastructure and a culture of excellence and curiosity, removing traditional boundaries to facilitate high-quality, pioneering research. Our goal is to translate science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Crick developed unique high-throughput live virus assay platforms to quantify neutralising antibody activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants. The COVID Surveillance Unit (CSU), established in 2021, manages and improves this assay pipeline.

We seek a talented, collaborative, and self-motivated scientist for a full-time on-site position within the CSU team. The role involves managing the microneutralisation assay pipeline, contributing to assay development, and interacting with researchers to stay updated on high-throughput technologies, virological, and immunological techniques.

What you will be doing

• Ensure smooth operation of the neutralisation assay pipeline, maintaining high standards and clear communication.
• Manage workflows and ensure timely data generation for end users, adapting to changing priorities.
• Support and provide expertise in developing and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Isolate, propagate, and genetically characterise emerging and reference SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.
• Manage stocks of pseudoviruses and RG viruses for assays.
• Develop and adapt high-throughput virological and immunological assays.
• Design and execute own research projects under supervision.

About you

The essential criteria you will bring:

• PhD or equivalent in virology, immunology, or high-throughput methodologies.
• Extensive experience in cell-based assays, tissue culture, and immunofluorescence techniques.
• Experience with respiratory viruses, pseudoviruses, and RG viruses.
• Experience with immunoassays and molecular/cell biology techniques.
• Data analysis and visualization skills using R and/or Python.

For the full job description, please click here. To learn more about the team, click here.

About working at the Crick

Our values:

• Bold: Embrace creative and innovative ideas.
• Open: Foster collaboration and visibility.
• Collegial: Respect, support, and work cooperatively.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident employer. Reasonable adjustments will be provided upon request. For application assistance, email us.

What you will receive

We offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• Visa sponsorship for eligible applicants.
• 28 days annual leave plus additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16% employer contributions.
• Health and well-being services including 24/7 GP, occupational health, mental health support, eye care vouchers, and discounted healthcare.
• Work-life balance support such as dependents' care, childcare allowance, leave purchase options, and inclusive social events.
• Perks including gym discounts, bike schemes, shopping discounts, and on-site amenities.
• Opportunities for training, mentoring, and recognition based on skills and experience.