Senior Research Scientist –Santos Lab 

Reports to: Silvia Santos, Group Leader

This is afull-time,1 yearfixed termposition on Crick terms and conditions of employment

Summary            

The Quantitative Stem Cell Biology lab, headed by Dr Silvia Santos, is seeking a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS). The successful candidate will investigate spatio-temporal control of cell division and cell cycle remodelling during cellular differentiation using 2D and 3D stem cell-based models of human gastrulation. The postholder will drive a research project and contribute to collaborative projects within the lab. The postholder will benefit from excellent mentorship and training and a vibrant and collegial scientific community within the Santos lab and at the Francis Crick Institute.

The research group

The Quantitative Stem Cell Biology lab, headed by Dr Silvia Santos, was established in 2018 at the Francis Crick Institute. The lab’s primary focus is understanding cell decision-making. Current areas of research include understanding regulatory mechanism regulating cell fate specification, cell cycle remodeling during cellular differentiation and the interplay between metabolism, cell cycle and cell fate. There is a strong focus on single cell analysis and advanced live cell imaging. The lab uses a variety of model systems: mouse and human embryonic stem cells (ESC), 3D organoid models of mouse and human development and mouse embryos.

The team is multi-disciplinary, diverse and currently composed of three PhD students, two post-doctoral fellow and one principal laboratory research scientist. The Santos lab promotes independent and creative thinking and all members are committed to providing excellent training and mentorship. 

For more information on the Quantitative Stem Cell Biology lab please see: 

https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/labs/silvia-santos.  

Key responsibilities

• Lead specific research project under the Group Leader’s supervision

• Participate in collaborative projects
• Attend and participate in group meetings and key Crick seminars
• Keep accurate records of all work carried out
• Train more junior colleagues when appropriate
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts
• Contribute to the lab hESC feeding rota
• Contribute to the collegial, positive and motivating lab atmosphere

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:

Essential

Qualifications, experience and competencies:

• PhD in any area relevant to the Life Sciences
• Extensive experience in Molecular Biology
• Extensive issue culture experience
• Experience with imaging/microscopy
• Experience and/or motivation to understanding cell division in the context development and/or disease
• Excellent organisational skills including impeccable recording of lab work
• Strong communication skills
• Very good interpersonal skills enabling the postholder to build effective collaborations with colleagues 
• Track record of working independently (e.g. contributing to a publication).

Desirable

Qualifications, experience and competencies:

• Experience with stem cell culture and, in particular, with hESCs/iPSCs will be an asset
• Prior experience with image analysis will be an asset
• Analytical mindset
• Track record of writing papers

About Us 

At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources. 

We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners. 

We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise. 

We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science. 

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