Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist - Organoid and Complex In Vitro Models Specialist

Job Title

Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist – Organoid and Complex In Vitro Models Specialist

Full‑time, fixed‑term (2‑year) position on Crick terms and conditions. Salary: £47,500 + benefits, subject to skills and experience.

The Serio Lab at the Francis Crick Institute develops VISIBLE, an imaging‑driven platform that integrates live imaging, automation, and biofabrication to build and monitor complex biological models such as organoids and engineered tissues. This role leads the biological development and validation of organoid and complex in‑vitro model workflows for the VISIBLE platform, working with engineers, software developers, and bio‑engineers to translate scientific needs into scalable, automation‑ready solutions.

• Develop and validate organoid, spheroid, and complex in‑vitro model workflows for the VISIBLE platform.
• Design and execute advanced cell culture, imaging, and biological validation experiments.
• Support integration of biological workflows with automated imaging, manipulation, and sampling technologies.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and software developers to translate biological requirements into practical platform solutions.
• Analyze imaging and biological data to support workflow optimisation and validation.
• Prepare SOPs, validation datasets, reports, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, external users, and early‑adopter partners.

• PhD in a relevant biomedical, biological or related discipline, or nearing PhD completion.
• Strong experience in mammalian cell culture, ideally including stem‑cell derived or complex in‑vitro systems.
• Experience working with organoids, spheroids, assembloids, engineered tissues or related 3D biological models.
• Experience with microscopy and imaging‑based biological analysis.
• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across biology, engineering and technology‑focused teams.
• Excellent organisational, communication and collaborative working skills.

• Experience with automated or high‑content imaging workflows.
• Experience with iPSC‑derived models, neurospheres, patient‑derived organoids or NAMs.
• Experience analysing imaging datasets using tools such as ImageJ/Fiji, Python or R.
• Experience working within interdisciplinary or translational research environments.
• Experience preparing SOPs, validation documentation or training materials.

• 28 days annual leave plus additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Defined contribution pension scheme with employer contributions up to 16%.
• 24/7 GP consultation services, occupational health and mental health support programmes.
• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Back‑up care for dependents, childcare support allowance and annual leave purchase options.
• Discounted gym memberships, bike‑to‑work scheme and shopping discounts.
• Subsidised on‑site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
• Career support:
  Post‑doc to PI programme and other development activities.
• Visa sponsorship for eligible applicants.

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. The Francis Crick Institute is a disability‑confident, committed employer that will make reasonable adjustments to support applicants and staff.