Job Description Postdoctoral Project ResearchScientist /n/n /n/n Details of the role: This is a full-time, fixedterm (two years) position on Crick terms and conditions ofemployment. /n/n /n/n About us /n/n The Francis Crick Institute isEurope’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Ourworld-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research tohelp prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heartdisease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. /n/nThe Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and explorationacross many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds canpursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucialscientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environmentwhich fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure,cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’veremoved traditional boundaries of departments, divisions anddisciplines and instead have an open approach that supports everyresearcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry outhigh-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discoverywithout boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits forhuman health and the economy. /n/n /n/n About the role /n/n We areseeking an experienced Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist tojoin our team. In this role, you will both lead your ownindependent project(s) and contribute to the development ofinnovative tools and technologies that advance the lab's researchprogram. You will be part of a collaborative and diverse groupdedicated to uncovering how a functional, beating heart is formedduring development. Your work will involve applying in-depthtechnical expertise in cutting-edge imaging technologies, imageanalysis techniques, and biophysical approaches. The specific goalsand direction of the project(s) will be shaped in closeconsultation with the supervisor and tailored to your backgroundand interests. /n/n The heart is the first organ to form andfunction during embryonic development. A key step during vertebrateheart development is chamber maturation – a poorly-understoodmorphogenetic process critical for heart function. During thisprocess, the myocardial wall of the ventricle and atrium transformsfrom a single-layered epithelium into a complex 3D topologicalmeshwork architecture (Priya et al., 2021, Nature; bioRxiv2024.07.24.604962; bioRxiv, 2025.03. 07.641942). How thistopological complexity is achieved is unknown, as are theunderlying mechanisms that shape these crucial anatomicalstructures. In our lab, we aim to unravel the underlyingmechanical, molecular and geometric interactions that transform adeveloping heart from a simple epithelium into a highly intricatefunctional organ. We combine the excellent tractability ofzebrafish embryos with quantitative imaging, transcriptomics,biophysics, genetics, and predictive theoretical modelling toanswer fundamental questions driving organ morphogenesis. /n/n /n/nWhat you will be doing: /n/n /n/n As a PPRS you will: /n/n /n/t -Develop and establish new tools and techniques – advanced 4D liveimaging of zebrafish hearts, image analysis pipelines, biophysicalmethods for measuring mechanical forces, and gene-editing tools./n/t - Conceptualize and lead research project(s) /n/t - Provideexpert guidance and technical support to lab members, fosteringknowledge exchange and skill development. /n/t - Contribute toother projects on a collaborative basis, both in the lab and withexternal collaborators. /n/t - Actively contribute to thedevelopment and publication of scientific manuscripts /n/t - Helpcultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectuallystimulating lab environment. /n /n/n /n/n About you /n/n /n/n Youwill bring /n/n /n/t - PhD (or near completion) in cell biology,developmental biology, or biophysics. /n/t - Proven expertise inadvanced confocal and light-sheet microscopy, as shown bypublications. /n/t - Strong expertise in quantitative imageanalysis techniques. /n/t - Excellent skills in molecular biology./n/t - Experience in embryological techniques (zebrafish/fly/mouse)as well as gene editing methods. /n/t - Demonstrated ability towrite scientific papers, as shown by publications and/or preprintsin relevant fields. /n /n/n /n/n See the full job description here/n/n /n/n See more about the team here /n/n /n/n About Working atthe Crick /n/n /n/n Our values /n/n Everyone who works at theCrick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s missionand shaping our culture! /n/n /n/t - We are bold. We make spacefor creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’renot afraid to do things differently. /n /n/n /n/t - We are open.We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure ouractivities are visible to the outside world. /n /n/n /n/t - Weare collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperativelyand support the wider community. /n /n/n At the Francis CrickInstitute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential todriving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed tocreating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, andempowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, orpersonal circumstances. We actively encourage applications fromindividuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, andexperiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer andwant to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of ourrecruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments ifyou need them - just let us know when you apply. If you needassistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone orpost) please email: /n/n To find out moreabout life at the Crick click here. /n/n What will you receive? /n/n At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members andare proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support theirwell-being and development: /n/n /n/t - Visas: Applicants for thisrole will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK /n /n/n/n/t - Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus threeadditional days over Christmas and bank holidays. /n /n/n /n/t -Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employercontributions of up to 16%. /n /n/n /n/t - Health &Well-being: /n /n/n /n/t - 24/7 GP consultation services. /n /n/n/n/t - Occupational health services and mental health supportprograms. /n /n/n /n/t - Eye care vouchers and discountedhealthcare plans. /n /n/n /n/t - Work-Life Balance: /n /n/n /n/t- Back-up care for dependents. /n /n/n /n/t - Childcare supportallowance. /n /n/n /n/t - Annual leave purchase options. /n /n/n/n/t - Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, communityand inclusive social events. /n /n/n /n/t - Perks: /n /n/n /n/t -Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shoppingdiscounts. /n /n/n /n/t - Subsidised on-site restaurant and socialspaces for team interaction. /n /n/n /n/t - Development &Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structurebased on skills and experience. /n
