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Laboratory Research Scientist

Details of the role:

Working pattern: This is a full-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

What you will be doing

The Schmack Lab investigates the biological mechanisms underlying psychosis, with the goal of developing new biological treatments for psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and uncovering how the brain generates perceptions and thoughts. We work at the intersection of psychiatry, neuroscience, and immunology, committed to visionary and rigorous science that pushes the boundaries of biological understanding relevant to mental illness.

You will be working on patient samples to develop assays for detecting autoantibodies targeting the brain. This will be a bench-based role in which you will be working closely with a postdoctoral fellow or senior research scientist and be part of a highly interdisciplinary group.

The role will involve contribute to projects that develop and apply in vitro immunological assays and transcriptomic profiling in serum and CSF from individuals with psychosis. The causal role of identified immune alterations will then be investigated using in vivo mouse models.

This is an exciting opportunity for a scientist with cell culture experienced, at any stage, particularly for early-career researchers looking to gain hands-on experience prior to a PHD.

As a Laboratory Research Scientist at the Crick, you will:

• Conduct and support research on immunological assays for biosamples from patients with psychosis. This includes carrying out experiments independently as well as under supervision of a more senior lab member. Experimental techniques range from tissue processing and preparation, ELISA, plasmid production, cell transfection, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy.
• Actively support and maintain a positive and motivating lab atmosphere.

About you

You will bring:

• MSc or equivalent qualification in Biology, Neuroscience, Immunology or related fields
• Enthusiasm for translational research on psychosis and for basic immunology and neuroscience
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques (e.g., immunohistochemistry, tissue fixation, ELISA)
• Excellent organisation and communication skills, ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a highly multi-disciplinary team

See the full job description here.

Read more about the lab

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: weronika.kucala@crick.ac.uk

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:

• 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.