Laboratory Research Officer

Key information

Laboratory Research Officer

Reporting to: Jonny Kohl

Contract term: This is a 3-month 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.

The Role

This position is for a Laboratory Research Officer (LRO) for a duration of 3 months, in the State-dependent Neural Processing Lab of Jonny Kohl.

The successful candidate will assist existing lab members with running and analysing behavioural experiments, and with performing and analysing in vivo calcium imaging data.

The candidate should have a background in Neuroscience, and experience in experimental laboratory work. He/she will be actively and intellectually contributing to the group’s scientific mission of understanding the effects of physiological states on information processing in the brain.

The role of a Laboratory Research Officer at the Francis Crick Institute is diverse and rewarding. The role covers a wide range of different functions and allows for smooth continuity of lab operations, providing fundamental support to the research at the Crick. The role offers support to one or more scientific projects or programmes. Typical activities include:

• Assisting other lab members with ongoing research projects.
• Providing experimental or technical support to other lab members.
• Participating in academic activities, including group meetings and journal clubs, seminars, and scientific meetings.

The Research Group

We seek a talented and passionate scientist to join Jonny Kohl’s State-dependent Neural Processing laboratory. The laboratory studies how the state of the body affects brain form and function. Current research is focused on understanding how neural circuits for instinctive behaviours (e.g., parental behaviour) are remodelled by hormonal and other states. Details of research projects currently being undertaken can be seen at: www.kohl-lab.org.

Research techniques used in the laboratory include behavioural assays, in vivo imaging and electrophysiology, patch clamp electrophysiology, circuit tracing, and genetic manipulations.

The Project

The successful candidate will support ongoing research by assisting lab members with behavioural assays, tissue processing and analysis (including staining, imaging, and image quantification), and by contributing to the development of pipelines for single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, as well as spatial transcriptomics. Depending on experience and motivation, the post holder will also have the opportunity to lead an independent research project.

Key responsibilities

These include but are not limited to:

• Keeping up to date and accurate records
• Collaborate on projects
• Actively contributing to the continuous improvement of the lab and lab culture

Experience and Competencies

The candidate should have a background in Neuroscience, and experience in experimental laboratory work. The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values:

Bold; Open; Collegial

Essential:

• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to prioritise and manage own time
• Ability to work collaboratively and work independently
• Ability to communicate and present data/experimental results

Desirable:

• Experience in imaging techniques
• Experience in working with rodent models
• Experience with histological procedures
• Basic image processing skills
• Basic programming experience in Python (or Matlab, R)

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:

• 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.
• Career support: A Post-doc to PI programme and other career development activities

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.