Postdoctoral Fellow - Priya lab
Postdoctoral Fellow - Priya Lab
Details of the role: Fixed term for 4 years, full-time. The position is offered for 4 years but can be extended for a further 2 years (6 years in total).
Application closing date:
Please note this is a rolling advert with no specific closing date. Applications will be considered as they arrive and will close once the position is filled. However, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
About us
The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. 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
Our lab aims to understand how functional organs are built during embryonic development, an important problem in biology with implications for tissue engineering and birth defects. We study the developing zebrafish heart, which allows advanced optical, genetic, and biophysical manipulation. Using a systems biology approach, we integrate tissue mechanics, developmental genetics, transcriptomics, biophysics, and theoretical modelling to study how complex organs like the heart form in living embryos.
We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow interested in combining interdisciplinary approaches with excellent tractability of the zebrafish heart to study a long-standing problem – how organ form and function emerge during development. We are particularly interested in candidates with a strong background in advanced imaging, quantitative image analysis, and/or tissue morphogenesis and mechanics. If you are excited by the prospect of tackling fundamental biological questions in a collaborative and innovative environment, we encourage you to apply.
The position is offered for 4 years but can be extended for a further 2 years (6 years in total).
What you will be doing
By combining the unique strengths of zebrafish models with interdisciplinary approaches, we aim to address several fundamental questions in tissue and organ biology, including:
- How feedback between mechanics, cell fate dynamics, and geometry drives tissue patterning
- How 3D topological meshworks are shaped, constrained, and canalized
- How nuclear integrity is maintained in a developing, beating heart
- Physical principles of organ scaling and regeneration
- The role of bioelectricity in morphogenesis
- The interplay between mechanics and metabolism in heart morphogenesis
In this role, you will focus on one of these research areas, using advanced microscopy, image analysis, genetic and optical perturbations, and biophysical approaches. You will also collaborate closely with theoreticians.
The precise scope and objectives of the project will be tailored to your background and research interests.
About you
You will bring
- PhD in developmental biology/biophysics/ cell biology or in the final stages of PhD submission.
- Strong expertise in advanced confocal and/or light sheet imaging.
- Strong expertise in quantitative image analysis approaches.
- Excellent molecular biology skills.
- Strong interest and experience in using interdisciplinary approaches in their research program.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
To see the complete job description click here.
To see more about team/Group Leader click 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
To find out more about life at the Crick click here.
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.
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.