GeMS Senior Research Scientist - Transgenic Services

Salary for this Role:

From£47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Job Title:

Reports to:

Closing Date:

Job Description:

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (BRF GeMS)

Reporting to:Ben Davies, Head of GeMS

Contract term: This is afull-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

As a predominantly practical role, the position is primarily based onsite, with limited opportunities for remote working. The standard working pattern is 09:00–17:15 Monday to Thursday and 09:00–17:00 on Fridays. Flexibility is required to support the needs of the service, including occasional early starts for procedures such as IVF, later finishes and some weekend working associated with animal husbandry and experimental programmes.

About us

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 Biological Research Facility (BRF) supports all animal research at the Crick through our comprehensive animal care and use program. The BRF provides the Crick's laboratory animal resource and technical services. High quality multidisciplinary in-vivo and ex-vivo research support are at the heart of the BRF's philosophy and operations. The BRF is committed to improving animal welfare, scientific quality, care of staff and transparency for stakeholders. The BRF teams integrate husbandry of multiple species within a range of facilities, using state of the art technologies, via a talented and skilled team.

About the role

Within the BRF, the Genetic Modification Services (GeMS) team provides specialist expertise in the production, storage and use of genetically modified animals and cell lines. The team delivers a broad range of services, including molecular biology and CRISPR-based targeting, embryo micromanipulation and transfer, assisted reproductive techniques, cryopreservation and rederivation of rodent and aquatic germplasm, and murine stem cell culture, maintenance, transfection, derivation and characterisation.

As a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist within the GeMS team, you will play a key role in delivering, developing and continuously improving specialist services that support the generation, archiving and use of genetically altered animal models at the Crick. Working closely with the Head of Service, GeMS Senior Managers and Laboratory Research Scientists, you will also build strong collaborative relationships with scientists and colleagues across the Crick, the BRF AND external and partner services.

This is a hands-on scientific leadership role, combining practical laboratory work with responsibility for service development, project management and the supervision and direction of colleagues. You will take ownership of an agreed area of the GeMS service, overseeing delivery, monitoring progress and identifying opportunities to enhance quality, efficiency and capability through protocol development, specialist training and participation in innovative development projects. Where appropriate, you will also provide day-to-day leadership and line management to Laboratory Research Scientists and Laboratory Research Officers, supporting their development and contributing to a positive, collaborative team environment.

A particular focus of this role will be the scientific oversight and delivery of cryopreservation, rederivation and colony management programmes. You will contribute your expertise to ensuring the long-term preservation, health and integrity of genetically altered lines, while helping to develop and refine the approaches and technologies used by the service. You will join an experienced and highly skilled team where your scientific expertise, practical skills and ideas will have a direct impact on the quality and effectiveness of the GeMS service and the research it enables across the Crick.

What you will be doing

These include but are not limited to:

Practical work

• Perform practical work in the areas of genetic modification, cryopreservation and rederivation of laboratory animals.
• Contribute to and keep laboratory records and databases updated

Cryopreservation and rederivation pipelines

• Lead cryopreservation and rederivation activities across the Crick, liaising with colony management services where necessary to ensure the best practice in line with scientific need.
• Oversee planning and delivery of cryopreservation and rederivation projects, monitoring programme performance and identifying bottlenecks.
• Oversee the colony management of colonies undergoing cryopreservation and rederivation, assessing breeding performance and providing advice on strategies for complex lines.

Technical leadership

• Act as a technical expert in rodent assisted reproductive technologies, cryopreservation and genetic manipulation techniques.
• Troubleshoot complex technical and operational challenges, providing specialist support across the team.

Service leadership

• Support scheduling, resource allocation and day-to-day operational management of GeMS activities.
• Assist in the oversight of GeMS projects and service delivery, ensuring work is completed to agreed timelines and quality standards.
• Participate in strategic planning and service development across GeMS.

Health & Safety

• Awareness and promotion of all relevant health and safety guidance and legislation.
• To ensure compliance to appropriate SOPs and risk assessments by all staff.

Information Technology

• Ordering consumables via a computer ordering system, always ensuring value for money and maintaining the budget for that service aspect
• Use of the Colony Management and cryo archive databases, maintaining accurate records for communication, reporting and compliance, ensuring own scientific work or the work of direct reports, is carried out accurately and efficiently, and that legal frameworks are adhered to.

Communication

• Liaising effectively and efficiently with all levels of the Crick staff to ensure projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Communicating effectively to foster and maintain good relationships and collaborations both internally and externally.

About you

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, open and collegial.

You will have:

•  A degree, or equivalent in a biological subject, or related science or significant work experience in a relevant area.
• Considerable relevant experience in Murine cryopreservation, ART, and genetic manipulation, including surgical experience, animal husbandry, colony management, project management and scientific service provision with a track record of achievement and demonstrable skill. *
• Thorough understanding of the different genetically modified allele types, their limitations and the breeding strategies appropriate for their use.*
• Proven track record in planning and successful execution of a scientific service or series of experiments to meet demands. *
• Evidence of successful troubleshooting of complex scientific tasks.*
• Experience of contributing effectively to the work of a team, demonstrating a flexible and cooperative approach to working with others.
• Experience with working with animal models.

*Minimum criteria

Please see the full job description here.

Click here to find out more about the department.

About Working at the Crick

Our values  

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 circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences.

We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email:weronika.kucala@crick.ac.uk

Find out more about life at the Crick.

What will you receive?  

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: 

• 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 programs. 

• 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.

• Perks: 

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. 

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction. 

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.