Senior/Laboratory Research Scientist – State-dependent Neural Processing Group (Maternity cover)

The Francis Crick Institute; City Of London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research institute in the UK is seeking a Senior/Laboratory Research Scientist for a maternity cover position. The role involves managing a lab, conducting experiments in a highly interdisciplinary environment that focuses on how neural circuits influence behaviors. Candidates must hold a BSc or PhD in a relevant field and have experience with basic laboratory techniques. The position offers a competitive salary starting from £45,700 with benefits.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Health & well-being services

Discounted gym memberships

Subsidised on-site restaurant

Qualifications

• Experience in basic laboratory techniques such as cell culture, histology, and microscopy.
• Excellent organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Acting as a lab manager to ensure the smooth running of the lab.
• Supporting research by carrying out experiments in collaboration with lab members.

Skills

Organisational skills

Basic laboratory techniques

Cell culture

Histology

Microscopy

Education

BSc or PhD in Neuroscience or Biological Sciences

Job description

Salary for this Role:

Laboratory Research Scientist (LRS) - From £36,535 with benefits subject to skills and experience

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS) - From £45,700 with benefits subject to skills and experience

Job Title:

Senior/Laboratory Research Scientist – State-dependent Neural Processing Group (Maternity cover)

Reports to:

Jonny Kohl

Closing Date:

29/Oct/2025 23.59 GMT

Job Description:

Senior/Laboratory Research Scientist – State-dependent Neural Processing Group (Maternity cover)

Details of the role

Reports to: Jonny Kohl (group leader)

This is a full-time or part-time, fixed term (12 months) 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 looking for a Senior/Laboratory Research Scientist to join the Kohl lab at the Crick.

Our lab investigates how neural circuits generate instinctive behaviours and how these circuits are reshaped by internal states and across the lifespan to produce adaptive actions.

A 12-month Senior/ Laboratory Research Scientist position is now available to support our research. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a research group that investigates the mechanisms by which physiological states influence information processing in the brain.

Projects in the laboratory are highly interdisciplinary and you will be exposed to a broad range of cutting‑edge neuroscience approaches and you will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of experiments, working closely with other members of the lab.

What you will be doing:

Some of your key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Acting as a lab manager, ensuring the smooth running of the lab. This will include database and mouse colony management.
• Support research in the laboratory. This will involve carrying out experiments in close collaboration with other lab members. Experiments could involve molecular cloning, genome editing, histology and microscopy – but there is flexibility, depending on the candidate’s skills and interests.

About you

You will have:

(Minimum criteria *)

• BSc or PhD in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences or a related discipline *
• Experience in basic laboratory techniques such as cell culture, histology and microscopy *
• Excellent organisational skills

Please see the full job description here.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please send an up-to-date CV and a cover letter, explaining your motivation and suitability for this role via our online system

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 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 employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and we’ll make reasonable adjustments if you need them – just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with 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:

• 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.

• 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.