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Job Description

Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist

Details of the role: This is a full-time, fixed-term (two years) 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 seeking an experienced Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist to join our team. In this role, you will both lead your own independent project(s) and contribute to the development of innovative tools and technologies that advance the lab's research program. You will be part of a collaborative and diverse group dedicated to uncovering how a functional, beating heart is formed during development. Your work will involve applying in-depth technical expertise in cutting-edge imaging technologies, image analysis techniques, and biophysical approaches. The specific goals and direction of the project(s) will be shaped in close consultation with the supervisor and tailored to your background and interests.

The heart is the first organ to form and function during embryonic development. A key step during vertebrate heart development is chamber maturation – a poorly-understood morphogenetic process critical for heart function. During this process, the myocardial wall of the ventricle and atrium transforms from a single-layered epithelium into a complex 3D topological meshwork architecture (Priya et al., 2021, Nature; bioRxiv 2024.07.24.604962; bioRxiv, 2025.03.07.641942). How this topological complexity is achieved is unknown, as are the underlying mechanisms that shape these crucial anatomical structures. In our lab, we aim to unravel the mechanical, molecular, and geometric interactions that transform a developing heart from a simple epithelium into a highly intricate functional organ. We combine the tractability of zebrafish embryos with quantitative imaging, transcriptomics, biophysics, genetics, and predictive theoretical modelling to answer fundamental questions driving organ morphogenesis.

What you will be doing:

As a PPRS you will:

• Develop and establish new tools and techniques – advanced 4D live imaging of zebrafish hearts, image analysis pipelines, biophysical methods for measuring mechanical forces, and gene-editing tools.
• Conceptualize and lead research project(s).
• Provide expert guidance and technical support to lab members, fostering knowledge exchange and skill development.
• Contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis, both in the lab and with external collaborators.
• Actively contribute to the development and publication of scientific manuscripts.
• Help cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating lab environment.

About you

You will bring:

• PhD (or near completion) in cell biology, developmental biology, or biophysics.
• Proven expertise in advanced confocal and light-sheet microscopy, as shown by publications.
• Strong expertise in quantitative image analysis techniques.
• Excellent skills in molecular biology.
• Experience in embryological techniques (zebrafish/fly/mouse) as well as gene editing methods.
• Demonstrated ability to write scientific papers, as shown by publications and/or preprints in relevant fields.

See the full job description here

See more about the team here

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 these values 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, gender, ethnicity, abilities, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Confident: Committed 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 (e.g., would like to apply by phone or post), please email: nicola.gyte@crick.ac.uk

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 based on skills and experience.