Principal Laboratory Research Scientist
10 days ago
City of London
Reporting to: Head of Making Lab STP Contact term: This is a full-time permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment. Salary for this Role: From £55,555 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. The Making Lab is a Science Technology Platform (STP) that sits at the crossroads of engineering and biology, powering innovation in biomedical research. We design and build cutting‑edge tools to tackle challenges across Neuroscience, Structural Biology and Bioengineering – from Cancer to Infectious Disease. Our team blends creativity and tech know‑how in Systems Engineering and Microfluidics & Biomaterials, helping scientists turn bold ideas into breakthroughs. As part of the global “Making in Research” movement, we champion open sharing, prototyping and collaboration to accelerate discovery. The postholder will drive innovation at the crossroads of engineering and biomedicine, leading projects from concept to creation – from design and assembly to testing and optimisation. You will develop everything from bespoke instruments and advanced experimental platforms, collaborating with researchers across diverse biomedical fields, including neurophysiology and automated experimental platforms. Working closely with research teams, STPs and the Crick Translation team, you’ll have access to cutting‑edge facilities including a dedicated systems engineering space for electronics, programming, and platform integration, a workshop for digital and conventional manufacturing, and specialised biomaterials and microfluidics facilities equipped with bioprinting, microfabrication, and characterisation tools. You will mentor junior engineers, train scientists and play a key role in shaping the future of the lab’s technologies. • OptoPi: An open source flexible platform for the analysis of small animal behaviour, • Functional specialisation of multisensory temporal integration in the mouse superior colliculus, • VISIBLE: An imaging‑driven system for sampling, biofabrication, and manipulation of complex biological models, • Lead the design and development of bespoke hardware‑software systems for biomedical research projects in collaboration with Crick groups and external partners., • Drive end‑to‑end technology development – from scoping and prototyping to system integration, testing and optimisation., • Deliver expert support in Systems Engineering, ensuring high‑quality service and robust technical methodologies., • Mentor and train researchers, developing and delivering practical workshops and training programmes., • Co‑manage lab operations, ensuring smooth running of electronics, mechanical and manufacturing facilities., • Contribute to project dissemination through reports, publications and presentations. (Minimum criteria *) Essential: • Degree or PhD (or equivalent experience) in related fields., • Strong hands‑on experience in system design, programming and hardware‑software integration., • Proficiency in Python/Linux and/or C++, with experience in electronics design, mechanical CAD and rapid prototyping., • Background in developing automation or control systems (e.g. robotics, data acquisition or experimental platforms)., • Experience at the interface of engineering and biology, including biomedical instrumentation or neurophysiology., • Familiarity with optics, sensors, imaging systems or digital fabrication tools (3D printing, laser cutting)., • Experience supporting lab operations such as recruitment, budgeting or equipment management., • We arebold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently., • We areopen. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 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 programmes, 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. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received. #J-18808-Ljbffr