Academic Training and Development Lead

Academic Training and Development Lead

Interviews will take place on week c/o Sept 22

Are you passionate about supporting researchers and shaping the future of science? Do you thrive in a collaborative, intellectually rich environment? This is your chance to step into a leadership role at one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutes.

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 collaborate 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.   

We are currently looking for an Academic Training and Development Lead at the Francis Crick Institute. In this role you’ll work alongside the Head of Academic Programmes, to design and deliver innovative, inclusive training programmes for our PhD students and postdocs, supporting the next generation of scientific leaders. Leading a small team, you will work closely with colleagues across the Crick and our university partners to ensure our training offer reflects the evolving needs of interdisciplinary research.

From launching new frameworks to enhancing existing programmes, your work will directly support a positive and forward-thinking research culture. This role is ideal for someone with a strong scientific background, experience in researcher development, and a genuine commitment to empowering early-career scientists.

What you will be doing

• Provide support to the Head of Academic Programmes to deliver the Crick PhD and Postdoc programmes
• Design and implement, alongside the Academic Training and Career Development Project Manager, a new Crick Postdoc Development Framework
• Lead, develop, motivate and performance manage the Academic Training and Career Development Project Manager to deliver their objectives
• Identify and consider the development of new science training and researcher development programmes for Crick PhD students and postdocs
• Evaluate Crick science training activities, refining to ensure that they are effective, current and support cutting edge research
• Ensure effective communication and consultation at relevant committees (e.g. Training & Career Development Committee, Postdoc Committee, PhD student committee)
• Scoping and investigating training and development activities provided by the Crick’s partners and other institutions, to identify opportunities for collaboration
• Lead on projects and work with the broader academic training team, the Crick Academy team and the People team, in other areas as required
• Lead on the continuous delivery of Vitae’s Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers at the Crick

What you will bring

(Minimum criteria *)

• Experience of working at a senior level in a dynamic scientific environment and higher education/research setting*
• Proven advanced skills in facilitation and/or teaching in a research or academic setting*
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the management, training and development of staff in research and technology groups, preferably through experience
• Educated to PhD level and with post-PhD experience in a science discipline, or relevant, significant experience*
• Experience in leading the design and successful delivery of scientific training and development activities*
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of academic and professional colleagues
• Proven ability to work successfully with multiple stakeholders across a complex organisation.

  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.   

As a Disability Confident Leader, we ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them. For this or any other assistance you need with applying please visit our website for more details. 

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.  

  See more about life at the Crick here.

  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%.   

• Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure based on skills and experience.  

  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.