Postdoctoral Researcher - Ultanir Lab (Francis Crick Institute) & Isalan Lab (Imperial College London)

Details of the role:

Salary: £43,210, subject to skills and experience, with benefits

Application closing date: 16th February 2025

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 is a joint collaboration between Sila Ultanir at the Francis Crick Institute and Mark Isalan at Imperial.#

The Ultanir lab studies the roles of protein kinases in neuronal development and function. The Isalan lab has long worked on a zinc finger engineering platform for gene therapy (PMID11433278,23054839,27600816).  

As a postdoctoral researcher in the Ultanir and Isalan labs, the main focus of your role will be to run a translational project to develop zinc finger protein transactivators for treatment of a neurodevelopmental disorder. A PhD in neurobiology or a related field is essential, and you should also show interest in scientific translation.

You will be using artificial transcription factors and gene therapy, using mouse models and iPSC cultures working on a rare epilepsy disorder.

Collaboration is a key aspect of this role; however, you will also lead on your own projects and help training PhD students.

What you will be doing… 

As aPostdoctoral Researcherat the Crick, you will: 

In this project, we aim to develop ZFPs which can upregulate CDKL2 mRNA expression and test if these can rescue molecular, cellular and behavioural defects in CDKL5 deficiency models. Postdoctoral researcher will generate and test zinc finger protein transactivators. They will then use CDKL5 knockout mouse models to determine if they can restore CDKL5-mediated functions at molecular and behavioural level. iPSC derived neurons of CDD models will also be used to test rescue of phosphorylation substrates.

About you…  

You will bring… 

Essential

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience or a related discipline or in the final stages of PhD submission
• Good knowledge of molecular biology skills
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings

Desirable but not essential

• Experience in research with iPSC derived neurons
• Experience in RNA sequencing
• Experience in mass spectrometry
• Experience in neonatal brain injections or in utero electroporation
• Experience in mouse behavioural analysis

To see the complete Job Descriptionclick herefor more info.  

To see more about the lab, clickhere.  

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. 

• 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