Postdoctoral Fellow

Contract term: This is a full-time, fixed term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Reporting to: Paul Nurse, Principal Group Leader

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on a wide range of biomedical research activities.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where researchers 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. We have the freedom to carry out high-quality, bold research.

Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

The Nurse Lab investigates one of the most fundamental questions in biology: how cells control their division.

Using the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a powerful model system for eukaryotic cells, the lab studies how Cyclin Dependent Kinases (CDKs) coordinate DNA replication, mitosis and cell division and control progression through the cell cycle. Our research combines cell biology, molecular genetics, biochemistry and systems biology approaches to uncover the fundamental mechanisms that govern the eukaryotic cell cycle.

We are seeking a creative and highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate the mechanisms controlling eukaryotic cell cycle progression.

You will lead an independent research project within the lab exploring how CDK activity is regulated and coordinates key cell cycle events. Depending on your research interests, your work could investigate areas including the G1/S transition, mitotic onset, nuclear transport of cell cycle regulators, CDK substrate phosphorylation or the role of chromatin in CDK regulation.

This is an exciting opportunity to tackle fundamental questions in cell biology within a highly collaborative environment, with scope to develop new approaches, contribute to wider projects and to learn how to support PhD researchers.

• Leading an independent research project investigating cell cycle regulation.
• Designing and carrying out experiments using cell biology, molecular genetics and biochemical approaches.
• Analysing CDK regulation and its role in DNA replication, mitosis and cell cycle control.
• Developing and applying new experimental approaches, with training provided where required.
• Collaborating with other lab researchers and contributing to wider lab projects.
• Communicating research findings through publications and scientific presentations.
• Supporting and guiding PhD students where appropriate.

You will have:

• PhD in cell biology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, or a related discipline. *
• Strong experimental design and data interpretation skills.*
• Ability to independently develop and deliver a research project.*
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment.*
• Strong scientific communication and presentation skills.*
• A proactive, creative and curious approach to solving challenging biological questions.*

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…