Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Gene Editing

Description

:

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Genome Editing in Human Stem Cells

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

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.

About the Stem Cells and Organoid Platform (SCOP)

The Stem Cells and Organoids Platform (SCOP) at the Francis Crick Institute is a Science Technology Platform (STP) dedicated to advancing innovative research in human stem cell biology and organoid technologies. It provides specialised expertise and services that support the development of human model systems. By integrating complementary expertise in stem cells, gene editing, and organoid development, the platform provides an end-to-end pipeline for stem cell research, accelerating cutting-edge discovery across the institute.

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS) to lead and support advanced gene editing and stem cell research within SCOP. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing and implementing cutting-edge genome engineering strategies, and driving innovation across diverse research and service projects.

Working closely with the Genetic Modification Service (GeMS) and other Science Technology Platforms (STPs), the post holder will take scientific ownership of projects in genome engineering, and contribute to the establishment of new shared resources for the research community. The role also involves providing expert training, and project guidance to collaborators.

What you’ll be doing

You will be responsible for:

• Leading and delivering SCOP research and service projects, owning scientific direction and outcomes.
• Designing and implementing advanced gene editing strategies tailored to project needs.
• Working closely with GeMS and STPs to develop robust, innovative genome engineering solutions.
• Establishing shared methods and technologies with group leaders, strengthening institute capability.
• Staying at the forefront of CRISPR technologies through active horizon scanning and engagement.
• Training and mentoring researchers in gene editing and stem cell culture best practice.
• Engineering and maintaining high-quality iPSC and ESC lines, ensuring reproducibility and QC.
• Supporting effective lab operations, including SOPs, biosafety, resources and equipment.
• Communicating clearly across teams, contributing to reports, collaboration and supportive research culture.
• Participating in a weekend rota for stem cell maintenance.

About you

You will have:

Essential:

(Minimum criteria*)

• Higher degree in a relevant field (PhD, MSc) with three years of research experience*
• Extensive proficiency in designing and implementing gene editing strategies in human pluripotent stem cells, including generation of knockout, knock-in, or conditional alleles.*
• Extensive proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including molecular cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT-qPCR, and sequencing.*
• Strong background in stem cell biology, with hands-on experience in the culture and maintenance of human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs and/or ESCs).*
• Experience using bioinformatics tools for guide RNA design, off-target prediction, and genomic data analysis.*
• Experience and familiarity with base- and prime-editing approaches
• Experience in experimental design, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of data quality, documentation, and reproducibility.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results within agreed timelines.
• Experience developing or maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) and utilizing electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN/LIMS).
• Experience providing training, mentorship, or technical guidance to users, clients, colleagues or collaborators.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, in alignment with the Crick values of bold, open, and collegial working.
• Demonstrated understanding of biosafety and ethical considerations related to the genetic modification of human cells.

Desirable

• Experience with genome editing of organoids
• Understanding of genetic modification workflows and their integration into multi-disciplinary projects.
• Familiarity with reprogramming techniques for the derivation of iPSCs.
• Familiarity with organoids, assembloids and/or spheroids.
• Familiarity with liquid handlers/automation tools.

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: k.

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:

• 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 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.
• Career support: Since September 2017 Crick has been a signatory to the Technician Commitment, an initiative across the research sector to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.