Laboratory Research Scientist - Johnson Lab

Laboratory Research Scientist – Johnson Lab

• Contract term: This is a full-time/part-time, fixed term (3 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
• Reports to: Eachan Johnson, Group Leader
• Salary for this Role: From £36,535 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

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 Systems Chemical Biology of Infection and Resistance Lab

The lab, which opened in January 2021 and is supported by Crick core funding, the UKRI Horizon Europe Guarantee, BBSRC and the Gates Foundation, explores how pathogenic bacteria survive and cause infection.

Working at the interface of genetics, chemical biology and machine learning, the team develops small molecules to disrupt key bacterial processes and understand their impact on survival, infection and resistance. We have developed approaches to study multiple bacterial pathogens in parallel, with a primary focus on Klebsiella pneumoniae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The work aims to inform next-generation antimicrobial therapies.

About the role

We are looking for a Laboratory Research Scientist to join a large-scale project investigating how small molecules affect the survival of the Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The project forms part of Gr-ADI, an international collaborative programme working to accelerate the discovery of new treatments for bacterial infections.

This is a great opportunity for an early-career scientist to develop hands-on experience in molecular microbiology, high-throughput screening and data analysis, while contributing to research with the potential to inform new antibacterial therapies.

What you’ll be doing

You will be responsible for

• Perform molecular biology and microbiology experiments, including strain construction and growth assays.
• Support high-throughput and phenotypic screening experiments.
• Prepare sequencing libraries and screening plates.
• Process, quality-check and analyse experimental data.
• Contribute to method development, troubleshooting and laboratory protocols.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and help keep the laboratory organised.
• Work closely with scientists across the lab, Crick technology, platforms and external collaborators.

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Click to find out more about the Systems Chemical Biology of Infection and Resistance Lab

About you

Essential:

(Minimum criteria*)

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biological engineering or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, cloning and DNA extraction, alongside microbial culture.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing and high-throughput experimental approaches.
• Experience handling bacterial pathogens under containment.
• Strong organisation, record-keeping and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow and improve experimental protocols and deliver agreed work independently.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated motivation to contribute to antibacterial drug discovery research.

Desirable

• Familiarity with high-throughput screening, automation, liquid handling or plate-based assays.
• Basic data analysis skills using R, Python or similar.
• Experience working with external collaborators.

Please attach the following separate documents to your application as PDF files:

• a cover letter (maximum one page)
• a description of how your specific experience and skills align with these competencies (maximum two pages)
• PubMed ID and DOI of one research paper (not from our group or your previous labs) that inspires you, explaining in 2-3 sentences which figure you found compelling and how it influenced your scientific interests

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 are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and 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: ruby.oluwafemi@crick.ac.uk.

Find out more about life at the Crick.

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%.
• 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.
• Career support: Laboratory Research Scientist Career Development Framework

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.