Senior Microscopist

The Francis Crick Institute; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Francis Crick Institute is seeking a Senior Microscopist to join their Advanced Light Microscopy team. This full-time role involves training researchers, maintaining advanced imaging equipment, and supporting bespoke research projects. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in neuroscience and strong programming skills.

Benefits

Generous Leave

Pension Scheme

Health & Well-being services

Work-Life Balance support

Discounted gym memberships

Subsidised on-site restaurant

Comprehensive training and mentoring

Qualifications

• Experience with laser-scanning microscopes for research purposes.
• Ability to troubleshoot microscope problems and effectively liaise with engineers.

Responsibilities

• Train Crick scientists in the use of advanced imaging methods.
• Maintain and develop a two-photon microscope.
• Assist with the interpretation and presentation of microscopy data.

Skills

Programming

Enthusiasm for science and imaging

Education

PhD in neuroscience

Degree in a physical or life science

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C

Fiji

Linux Bash

ScanImage

Job description

Senior Microscopist

Details of the role:

This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick Terms and Conditions of Employment.

Working pattern: Monday – Friday.

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 Microscopist to join the Advanced Light Microscopy team at the Francis Crick Institute. If you have a PHD in neuroscience and experience building or adapting two photon microscopes to research purposes, this may be a great opportunity for you to join.

You will work together with the CALM team to support light microscopy within the STP in alignment with the Crick’s research strategy. Methods supported by the facility include wide-field fluorescence, multi-mode long-term time-lapse, point and array laser scanning, super-resolution, and lightsheet microscopies.

You will advise and support our researchers in the use of multi-photon microscopy in their work, including experimental design, approaches to imaging living and fixed specimens, development of protocols, and assistance with the analysis and interpretation of experimental data.

The role will involve supporting Health & Safety in writing and evaluating risk assessments related to laser safety. The senior Microscopist will ensuring microscopes are well maintained and train Crick researchers on their proper use.

What you will be doing

As a Senior Microscopist at the Crick, you will:

• Train Crick scientists in the use of advanced imaging methods, especially multi-photon microscopy
• Maintain and develop a block-face serial-sectioning two-photon microscope
• Support bespoke research projects involving Crick Research Groups through microscopy hardware and software development
• Assist with the organisation of equipment demos and procurement
• Assist with the interpretation, and presentation of microscopy data
• Communication to internal and external audiences

About you

You will bring

• Enthusiasm for science and imaging
• A degree in a physical or life science
• Strong programming skills; eg: MATLAB, Python, C, Fiji, Linux Bash, ScanImage*
• Experience developing and using laser-scanning microscopes for research purposes*
• Experience with alignment and maintenance of imaging equipment, including Class IV lasers*
• Ability to trouble shoot microscope problems and effectively liaise with engineers

See more about this Science Technology Platform

See the full job description

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]

To find out more about life at the Crick click here.

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.

• Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure with performance-linked progression.