SLRS – Nuclear Imaging and Radiochemistry

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Nuclear Imaging and Radiochemistry

Reporting to: Thomas Snoeks, Head of In-vivo Imaging Operations

Contract term: This is a permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment

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.

The Biological Research Facility (BRF) at the Francis Crick Institute supports all animal research through a comprehensive animal care and use programme, providing high-quality laboratory animal resources, technical expertise, and in-vivo/ex-vivo research support.

Within the BRF, the In Vivo Imaging (IVI) Facility offers a suite of cutting-edge multimodal imaging systems, including PET-MR, SPECT-CT, micro-CT, high-resolution ultrasound, optical imaging platforms, and a 9.4T MRI. These advanced technologies enable longitudinal, non-invasive imaging of biological processes in living tissues, supporting a diverse range of research areas from developmental biology to oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Laboratory Research Scientist with expertise in pre-clinical nuclear imaging and radiochemistry to join the In-vivo Imaging Operations team within the BRF. This role offers the opportunity to lead innovative radiotracer development while supporting high-quality small-animal PET and SPECT imaging studies.

In this position, you will lead the design, synthesis and application of radiotracers for small-animal PET and SPECT imaging, enabling the molecular and functional characterisation of biological processes in vivo. The chemistry component of the role will primarily focus on the radio labelling of compounds containing chelating agents with radioactive metal ions, followed by purification and rigorous quality control to ensure suitability for pre-clinical imaging applications.

Alongside your scientific responsibilities, you will play a central role in the safe operation and management of the radiochemistry laboratory. You will undertake duties as the Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) for the facility, maintaining the laboratory infrastructure, overseeing radioisotope record keeping, waste management and regulatory compliance, and ensuring a safe working environment. You will train and support scientists in the safe handling of radioactive materials and work closely with the Crick’s Health and Safety team to uphold the highest standards of radiation safety and laboratory practice.

We are seeking a responsible and experienced scientist who takes health and safety, laboratory management and regulatory compliance seriously, and is confident overseeing shared laboratory spaces and ensuring regulations are understood and followed. You will hold a degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, biomedical sciences or a related discipline, with extensive experience in pre-clinical nuclear imaging and/or radiotracer synthesis, and be motivated by rigorous science, good laboratory practice and taking ownership of both scientific and operational responsibilities.

Typical activities include:

• Assisting Crick scientists with nuclear imaging and biodistribution studies
• Undertaking research projects for internal and external collaborators and commercial partners, including designing, and executing experiments with strategic direction from the head of IVI operations
• Preparing written reports and presentations of experimental results and conclusions
• Providing experimental and technical expertise and support to Crick scientists using the nuclear…