Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist

Salary for this Role:

From £45,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Job Title:

Reports to:

Closing Date:

Job Description:

Postdoctoral Project Research - McTernan lab

Details of the role: This is a full-time, fixed term [18 month] 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

We are looking for a skilled organic chemist to join the team and lead our work on Targeted Lipid Nanoparticles and Targeted Supramolecular Drug Delivery, leading projects within the lab.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant and diverse team of 14 chemists and chemical biologists, working at a leading biological research institute.

If you have a PhD in any of the following fields Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, or Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis, and have experience in organic synthesis, this would be a great opportunity for you.

The projects you will be working on will work at the boundary of chemical synthesis and chemical biology. The postholder will synthesise bespoke lipids, formulate lipid nanoparticles, create small libraries of diverse targeting groups, conduct in cellulo tests, and liaise with skilled colleagues on in vivo testing. They will also contribute to wider projects in the laboratory as their skills and interest dictate. Skills in organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, peptide synthesis, and lipid nanoparticle would all be useful in this role. Other desirable skills include cell culture, assay design, and interpreting in vivo data. The candidate would not be expected to have all these skills; rather they would be enabled to gain new skills through extensive in house and wider training.

Collaboration is key at the crick and will this role there is opportunity to work across group and with different technology platforms. You will be supported to develop new skills at the interface of chemistry with biology, with support from world-leading Science and Technology Platform scientists.

What you will be doing

As a PPRS at the Crick, you will be:

• Investigating research questions and developing specific research project(s) under guidance from Group Leader 
• Providing specialist advice and guidance, sharing knowledge and expertise for the benefit of others 
• Providing a significant contribution to the production of research papers for publication, presenting findings to group members and other internal and external audiences 
• Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
• Have a pro-active approach to the management of health and safety protocols and play a leading role within the group in ensuring compliance with safety policy.
• Acting as a leader within the group, helping to maintain a collaborative, kind, and supportive research environment; helping group members to achieve their potential.
• Play a key role in the coordination and day-to-day running of lab, along with building and developing teams within the group.

About you

You will bring

• PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and/or Supramolecular Chemistry and/or Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis or related field.
• Expertise in organic synthesis
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
• Show an ability to work supportively in a laboratory environment

• Evidence of ability to supervise and educate junior co-workers and take part in joint projects

Please ensure you read the complete Job Description.

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: weronika.kucala@crick.ac.uk

Find out more about working 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: 

• 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.