Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Cell Science STP

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Cell Science STP

Reporting to:
Manuela Natoli, Head of Cell Science

Contract term:
This is a full‑time permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Salary for this Role:
From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

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.

There are 19 Science Technology Platforms (STPs) at the Crick, providing scientists with unparalleled support to help streamline research and accelerate discovery.

The Cell Science STP is a unique facility delivering cell lines, large‑scale cell culture production and tissue culture services to researchers across the institute. By providing high‑quality, consistent and rigorously controlled cell culture support, the team enables scientists to focus on their research while ensuring robust and reproducible experimental standards.

Working closely with research groups and other STPs, the team combines deep technical expertise with a collaborative service focused approach. The platform continually evolves its capabilities by introducing new technologies, adapting to scientific advances and proactively responding to the changing needs of Crick science.

We are seeking a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS) to support the scientific, operational and technical delivery of the Cell Science STP.

Working closely with the STP Lead, Deputy Head and Principal Laboratory Research Scientist (PLRS), you will play a key role in the management and development of large‑scale cell culture production, ensuring the platform continues to deliver an outstanding service to researchers across the institute.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced scientist with strong expertise in tissue culture and large‑scale cell production who enjoys combining hands‑on scientific work with mentoring, troubleshooting, collaboration and continuous improvement.

You will be responsible for:

• Supporting the day‑to‑day operation of the Cell Science STP and large‑scale cell culture production workflows.
• Providing scientific and technical support to researchers and the wider laboratory team.
• Troubleshooting complex cell culture and technical challenges across the platform.
• Implementing and improving quality control processes and ensuring SOP compliance.
• Supporting staff training, mentoring and development.
• Building collaborations with research groups and supporting new services and technologies across the institute.
• Contributing to reporting, workflow optimisation and continuous improvement activities within the facility.

You will have:

• PhD or equivalent experience in cell physiology or a related discipline, with extensive experience working in tissue culture environments.
• Strong practical expertise in large‑scale cell culture systems including bioreactors, wave bags and spinners.
• Extensive experience optimising and troubleshooting small and large‑scale cell culture workflows.
• Strong scientific knowledge of techniques such as real‑time PCR, ELISA and Western Blot.
• Experience working in containment level 2 laboratory environments.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability…