Postdoctoral Fellow

Postdoctoral Fellow

Details of the role:Full-time, fixed term (4 Year) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Working pattern: Monday – Friday.

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 role… 

This role will be pivotal in ensuring continuation of research on endogenous retroviruses in human cancer. You will be part of a team of researchers in the Kassiotis lab at the Francis Crick Institute. If you have a PHD in cell biology, cancer biology, immunology or related disciplines, this may be the perfect role for you.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Kassiotis lab, you will carry out research on transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the initiation, progression and immune control of human cancer, through onco-exaptation of endogenous retroviruses and other endogenous retroelements.

Current work in the lab has identified several of these genomic parasites as cancer-specific elements. The focus is the creation of novel or alteration of existing gene function, through co-option of such endogenous retroelements in cancer.

What will you be doing: 

Specific objectives will include, but not be limited to:
• Designing, performing, analysing and interpreting experiments to investigate the onco-exaptation of endogenous retroelements in the context of human cancer, which will be studied in humans as well as animal models
• Working within a team that carries out research on immune reactivity to retroviral antigens in the context of infection and cancer.
• Carrying out the processing, analysis and integration of distinct next generation sequencing and multi-omics data.

As a Postdoctoral Fellows, you will lead your own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and may guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is therefore essential.

About you…  

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values:

Bold; Open; Collegial

Essential:

PhD in cell biology, cancer biology, immunology or related disciplines (or in the final

stages of completion)

• A strong background in state-of-the-art cell biology techniques
• A strong background in statistical analyses
• Experience in the analysis of next generation sequencing data

To see the complete job descriptionclick here.

To see more about team/Group Leaderclick here.

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 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:

To find out more about life at the Crick clickhere.

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. 

• Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure with performance-linked progression. 

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