Postdoctoral Fellow

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow

Details of the role: 4 yr FTC, full-time. Working pattern: Monday - Friday.

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

Application closing date: No closing date 23:59 GMT

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 collaborate 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 Genetic Mechanisms of Disease lab is a dynamic, supportive and highly collaborative research group which studies how common genetic variation influences the human immune system and how this can predispose to autoimmune and inflammatory disease. A strong background in human immune cell isolation and culture, CRISPR editing and in vitro assays of immune function are essential.

The current project, which is funded via the MSD/Crick Research Alliance, aims to elucidate the biology responsible for a genetic association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which is located on chromosome 5. The associated locus lies within an uncharacterised long non-coding (lnc)RNA and exhibits strong activation-dependent enhancer activity in inflammatory macrophages. The aims of the project are to identify the gene(s) that may be regulated by this dynamic enhancer, investigate whether the lncRNA has RNA-dependent functions and characterise the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which this genetic variation contributes to IBD. Our goal is to not only resolve molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease, but to identify new opportunities for therapy.

For an example of the sort of research we conduct, please see Stankey, Bourges, Haag et al. Nature 2024

What you will be doing

As a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Crick, you will:

• Lead your own research projects
• Contribute to other research projects both internally and with external collaborators
• Guide PhD students in their research

About you

The essential criteria you will bring

• PhD, or in the final stages of PhD completion, in a relevant biomedical science (including but not limited to: immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry)
• Experience in molecular biology, mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry
• Knowledge of human genetics, immunology and gene regulation.
• Experience of working independently, designing experiments and adopting new techniques
• Track record of scientific writing, evidenced by first author publications or submitted manuscripts in refereed journals
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
• Excellent organisational and communication skills

To see the complete job description, click here .

To learn 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 you will be asked as part of the process if you wish to apply under the scheme. We will make reasonable adjustments if you need them. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email:

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.

Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure based on skills and experience.