Salary for this Role:

£31,675 - £35,900, subject to skills and experience

Job Title:

Reports to:

Closing Date:

Job Description:

Laboratory Research Scientist – In Prof. Dominique Bonnet’s Laboratory

Reports to: Dominique Bonnet, Group Leader

This is a fixed term position for 18 months on Crick Terms & Conditions of Employment.

OVERVIEW

This position is available in Prof. Dominique Bonnet’s laboratory. The lab works on human normal and leukaemic stem cells and the role of the microenvironment: https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/a-z-researchers/researchers-a-c/dominique-bonnet/

PROJECT SUMMARY

The lab is interested in understanding the regulation of the haematopoietic stem cells (which produce all the mature cells for the entire life of an individual), both in normal development and during leukaemia. We are specifically interested in the extrinsic mechanisms that regulate these cells and how we could intervene in order to eradicate the leukaemic stem cell. The main objective of the present funded project is to develop a 3D bioprinted model to mimic humanised bone marrow niche.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

These include but not limited to;

• Provide support to the Group Leader and Principal Laboratory Research Scientist (PLRS) on a day to day basis contributing to the smooth running of the HSC lab
• Ordering of lab consumables as requested by lab members, and tracking orders
• Maintain appropriate databases including freezerPro, FACS antibodies inventory, keeping accurate written and computerised records
• Undertake laboratory research, developing the assigned project in a timely and resource efficient manner, as appropriate for the research area
• Provide technical input for the development, refinement and troubleshooting of relevant methodologies
• Make research initiatives and original contributions to the research programme wherever possible, and to contribute freely to the team research environment in a manner conducive to the success of the research project as a whole
• Design (following consultation with supervisor) and execute experiments
• Collect and analyse data
• Attend and participate in the lab’s academic activities, e.g. laboratory and journal club meetings, research group meetings
• Support other lab members with their experiments
• Supervise and train where necessary new members of the research team
• Show a professional attitude to matters of laboratory hygiene, organisation and safety, and to observe and to take an active role in fulfilling all statutory health and safety regulations

These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will be required to undertake. They may change from time to time in accordance with new scientific developments.

ABOUT US

The Francis Crick Institute (the Crick) is a registered charity whose purpose is to conduct biomedical research into all aspects of human health and disease. Dedicated to research excellence, the institute will be a world-leading centre of biomedical research and innovation.

KEY EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: Bold, Imaginative, Open, Dynamic and Collegial, in addition to the following:

Key Experience and competencies

Essential

• A good BSc first degree, or higher, in a relevant discipline
• Practical knowledge of molecular biology techniques
• A proven ability to organise and prioritise own work
• Proven laboratory bench skills
• A proven ability to maintain good laboratory records
• A proven ability to work effectively and positively as part of a team and outside of the team with Crick colleagues
• Demonstrable understanding of the research process
• A proven ability to analyse scientific data and make decisions based on this
• Good communication skills
• A proven ability to interpret scientific literature and incorporate into project
• A willingness to learn new skills
• Initiative to work independently but to understand when to refer to appropriate person when necessary
• Enthusiasm and motivation to contribute to scientific research

Desirable:

• Haematopoietic stem cell biology and/or mesenchymal stroma cells
• Cancer modelling (3D organoids culture)

Key Technical Knowledge:

Essential

• Previous experience of molecular and cell biology
• Previous experience in multi-colour FACS analysis
• Previous experience in 3D culture, bioprinting
• Previous experience of successful day to day management of a lab

Desirable

• Previous experience of Lentiviral virus work
• Previous experience of hematopoietic functionnal assays (CFC, LTC-IC, and/or Transplantation assay)
• Previous experience in 3D culture, bioprinting

PLEASE NOTE: ALL OFFERS OF EMPLOYMENT ARE SUBJECT TO SUCCESSFUL SECURITY SCREENING AND CONTINUOUS ELIGIBILITY TO WORK IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/pay-and-benefits

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.

The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.

Read more on our website: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/equality-diversity-and-inclusion