Data Scientist/ Senior Data Scientist
Data Scientist/ Senior Data Scientist P Znamenskiy lab
Key information
Data Scientist/Senior Data Scientist - P Znamenskiy lab
Reporting to: Petr Znamenskiy, Group Leader (The Francis Crick Institute)
Contact term: This is a full-time, fixed term (3-year) 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
The Znamenskiy lab studies the relationship between the in vivo function, synaptic organization, and molecular identity of cortical neurons. We aim to understand how connections between different neuronal cell types are organized and how this organization enables the computations they perform. To do this, we combine approaches from systems and molecular neuroscience and develop new tools to relate gene expression and connectivity with the activity of cortical neurons.
The brain contains 100s to 1000s of different types of neurons. To understand how this astonishing cell type diversity supports brain function, we have developed new methods that allow us to measure in vivo functional properties, gene expression profiles and connectivity in the same neurons. Analysing the resulting datasets poses a significant computational challenge.
We are now looking for a Data Scientist/Senior Data Scientist to join the lab.
As a Data Scientist in the lab, you will design, develop, and maintain robust computational pipelines for the analysis and integration of large-scale, multimodal datasets, including spatial transcriptomics, in vivo calcium imaging, and molecular connectomics. Working across several projects, you will enable high-quality, reproducible analysis and help translate complex data into biological insight at the interface of systems and molecular neuroscience.
You will play a central, highly collaborative role within the lab, acting as the primary point of contact for computational support. This includes advising and supporting lab members on data analysis, troubleshooting analytical challenges, and ensuring best practices in scientific coding and workflow development are shared and adopted across projects.
We are seeking a collaborative data scientist with strong experience in scientific programming in Python, and a genuine interest in supporting others while building scalable, well-designed analysis pipelines. This role is ideal for someone with a background in neuroscience or computational data science who wants to remain close to cutting-edge research and unique datasets, without pursuing an independent research track, while making a meaningful and lasting contribution to a dynamic scientific environment.
What you will be doing
Typical activities include:
- Key projects and data modalities:
- Spatial transcriptomics data generated from a custom-built automated in situ sequencing microscopes
- In vivo multiphoton calcium imaging data
- Registration and integration of spatial transcriptomics and in vivo imaging data
- Optimise and maintain data analysis pipelines
- Refine algorithms for image registration, cell segmentation, source separation etc.
- Develop quality control metrics for experimental data
- Document analysis pipelines to make them accessible to users within and outside the Znamenskiy lab
- Support and train users in applying the analysis pipelines
- Provide training and support to lab members in coding and data analysis and act as a key point of contact to help lab members troubleshoot computational issues
About you
You will have:
- PhD in neuroscience,computer science, or related fields, or equivalent experience(applicable only if applying at Senior Data Scientist level)
- Expertise in analysis of large-scale datasets, for example sequencing, imaging, physiology or circuit tracing data *
- Strong coding skills in python and knowledge of data science libraries *
- Knowledge of software development best practices, including version control and package management *
- Experience with high performance computing *
- Track record of writing papers as evidenced by preprints and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals(applicable only if applying at Senior Data Scientist level)
Please note, there is scope to appoint this role at Data Scientist or Senior Data Scientist level, based on skills and experience.
(*Minimum criteria)
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.