Laboratory Research Scientist - Cellular Adaptive Behaviour Laboratory
Key information
Laboratory Research Scientist – Cellular Adaptive Behaviour Laboratory
Details of the role:
Reports to: Katie Bentley, Group Leader
Contact term: This is a full-time, fixed term position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
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 an enthusiastic and motivated computational Laboratory Research Scientist to join our computational biological modelling lab. This software development and simulation support role involves working on our state-of-the-art new 3D simulation platform for modelling collective cell behaviour during tissue development/disease. The position focusses on QA (quality assurance testing), documentation creation and developing small biology simulation use cases, working together with a small team of developers in the lab. High proficiency in C++ is essential, experience with Python is a plus and software engineering skills such as TDD or QA testing will also be key.
You will be joining an interdisciplinary lab, comprising both wet lab biologists as well as computational scientists. Collaboration is key at the Crick and you will be working closely with your lab as well as other research groups across the Crick.
The role will involve developing automated quality assurance tests for both existing and newly implemented features within the simulation platform, ensuring robustness and reliability. The successful candidate will also create clear and comprehensive documentation to support the onboarding of future developers and modelling users. In addition, they will design small case study simulations of cellular behaviours to assist ongoing laboratory research projects, and provide training and support to new users of the software.
If you have software development experience and are interested in biological modelling, with knowledge of agent-based approaches we would love to hear from you.
What you will be doing:
Specific objectives will include, but not be limited to:
- Develop new automated integration tests extending our new cell simulation software’s testing suite
- Aid in development of documentation for easier orientation for new developers of the software infrastructure (including for example video demos and starter task tutorials).
- Aid in development of documentation for easier adoption by new users/modellers to the software (including for example video demos and starter task tutorials).
- Aid in development and analysis of small biological cell modelling case-study test simulations on research projects
- Aid in training new lab members on the codebase, where needed.
About you
You will have:
(Minimum criteria *)
- A BSc in computer science, mathematics, physics or related subject.
- Experience in software development and testing (e.g. TDD test driven development, quality assurance QA testing/automated integration test development). *
- High proficiency in C++ or a related object-oriented language with ability to rapidly adopt C++ *
- Experience of one or more of the following approaches: agent-based modelling, ordinary differential equations, mechanical modelling (e.g. force-based/spring models, surface elasticity/mesh modelling, finite element models) *
- The ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse team including computational modellers, engineers and biologists. *
See the full job description here.
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: weronika.kucala@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.
Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.
We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.