Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Santos Lab

Salary for this Role:

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

Job Title:

Reports to:

Closing Date:

Job Description:

Senior Research Scientist – Santos Lab 

Reports to: Silvia Santos, Group Leader

This is a full-time, 1 year fixed term 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 research group

The Quantitative Stem Cell Biology lab, headed by Dr Silvia Santos, was established in 2018 at the Francis Crick Institute. The lab’s primary focus is understanding cell decision-making. Current areas of research include understanding regulatory mechanism regulating cell fate specification, cell cycle remodeling during cellular differentiation and the interplay between metabolism, cell cycle and cell fate. There is a strong focus on single cell analysis and advanced live cell imaging. The lab uses a variety of model systems: mouse and human embryonic stem cells (ESC), 3D organoid models of mouse and human development and mouse embryos.

The team is multi-disciplinary, diverse and currently composed of three PhD students, two post-doctoral fellow and one principal laboratory research scientist. The Santos lab promotes independent and creative thinking and all members are committed to providing excellent training and mentorship. 

For more information on the Quantitative Stem Cell Biology lab please see: 

https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/labs/silvia-santos.  

What you will be doing

The Quantitative Stem Cell Biology lab, headed by Dr Silvia Santos, is seeking a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS). You will investigate spatio-temporal control of cell division and cell cycle remodelling during cellular differentiation using 2D and 3D stem cell-based models of human gastrulation. You will also drive a research project and contribute to collaborative projects within the lab. As an SLRS, you will benefit from excellent mentorship and training and a vibrant and collegial scientific community within the Santos lab and at the Francis Crick Institute.

Key responsibilities

• Lead specific research project under the Group Leader’s supervision

• Participate in collaborative projects
• Attend and participate in group meetings and key Crick seminars
• Keep accurate records of all work carried out
• Train more junior colleagues when appropriate
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts
• Contribute to the lab hESC feeding rota
• Contribute to the collegial, positive and motivating lab atmosphere

About you

Key experience and competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, , open and collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential

Qualifications, experience and competencies:

• PhD in any area relevant to the Life Sciences
• Extensive experience in Molecular Biology
• Extensive issue culture experience
• Experience with imaging/microscopy
• Experience and/or motivation to understanding cell division in the context development and/or disease
• Excellent organisational skills including impeccable recording of lab work
• Strong communication skills
• Very good interpersonal skills enabling the postholder to build effective collaborations with colleagues 
• Track record of working independently (e.g. contributing to a publication).

Desirable

Qualifications, experience and competencies:

• Experience with stem cell culture and, in particular, with hESCs/iPSCs will be an asset
• Prior experience with image analysis will be an asset
• Analytical mindset
• Track record of writing papers

The position will close as soon as an appropriate candidate is found, therefore we encourage you to apply for this role as soon as you can.

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: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so 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: 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: 

• 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.
• Career support: A Post-doc to PI programme and other career development activities

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.