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Job Description

Job Title: Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS) – Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Details of the role: Permanent, full-time. Working pattern: Monday – Friday.

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

Application closing date: 22/05/25 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 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 collaborate 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…

You will be a cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) scientist supporting single-particle and tomography projects in this role. As part of the Structural Biology Science Technology Platform (SB STP), you will deliver experimental or technical support to STP users as well as provide technical expertise/input for the development, refinement, and troubleshooting of relevant and novel methodologies.

The cryo-EM unit of SB STP currently houses two 300kV Krios TEMs equipped with energy filter and direct detector, 200kV Glacios TEM, 200kV Talos TEM, and two low voltage TEMs used mostly for sample screening. These are complemented by specimen preparation devices: Vitrobots, Leica GP2, cryo-FIB-SEM Aquilos-2, manual plungers, vacuum evaporator, glow-dischargers, and plasma machines. The microscope data servers are connected to Crick central computing which provides capacity for EM data storage and high-speed processing cores, including GPU cores, for data processing, analysis, and presentation using a wide range of software.

What you will be doing…

As an SLRS at the Crick, you will:

1. Support Crick users’ cryo-EM research activities.
2. Contribute to management and maintenance of electron microscopes.
3. Support experimental design including sample preparation and imaging of biological specimens.
4. Provide expertise and support in computational image analysis.
5. Provide training in both experimental and computational aspects of cryo-EM.
6. Manage, collaborate, and communicate effectively with STP users.

About you…

The essential criteria you will bring…

1. A higher degree in biological, physical, or engineering sciences; or equivalent relevant experience.
2. Research experience and expertise in electron microscopy.
3. Specialist knowledge of cryo-electron microscope operation and high-resolution data collection.
4. Experience in data analysis of single particle images and/or tomography data.
5. Experience with field emission gun microscopes and direct electron detectors.
6. Proven track record in structural science.
7. Excellent communication skills within a research environment, building highly effective working relationships with scientists and support staff.
8. Ability to plan time efficiently and work both independently and in a team setting.

Please note that while not essential, it is highly desirable that the postholder has experience in the use of cryo-FIB/SEM and/or cryo-CLEM.

To see the complete job description, click here.

To learn more about Structural Biology at the Crick, click 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 diversity, equity, 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, 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 you will be asked as part of the process if you wish to apply under the scheme. We will make reasonable adjustments if you need them. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., 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.