Senior Laboratory Research Scientist

Job Title: Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Structural Biochemist (SLRS) 

Details of the role: 2 yr fixed term, full-time. Working pattern: Monday – Friday. 

Salary: From £44,360 with benefits, dependent on skills and experience 

Application closing date: 02/05/25 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 Enchev Lab is offering a unique opportunity to get involved in developing and applying methods for directly observing biochemical processes at atomic spatial and millisecond time resolution. Our work combines microfluidics devices to mix and incubate biochemical samples on sub-second timescales with rapid spray-plunge freezing for subsequent three-dimensional structure determination by time-resolved cryo-EM (trEM). By iterating this procedure at increasing incubation times and using machine learning-based approaches to map conformational landscapes, we generate time-lapse "movies" of biochemical binding and enzymatic reactions. 

This role will support academic and industry collaborations and early-stage proof-of-concept trEM studies. Team working and an open mind as to how other disciplines and technologies can advance our work are critical.

Projects may vary in scope and duration. A representative example includes cloning, recombinant production, and biochemical purification of Cullin-RING ligases and their substrates, followed by biochemical characterization, time-resolved cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection, and analysis.   

What you will be doing…  

As anSLRSat the Crick, you will be involved in:  

Protein Expression and Purification  

• Design and generate protein expression constructs.  
• Express recombinant proteins using bacterial and insect cell systems.  
• Purify recombinant proteins using affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography.  

Biochemical and Structural Characterization  

• Conduct quantitative biochemical binding and activity assays  
• Carry out standard as well as time-resolved cryo-EM sample preparation.  
• Independently perform single-particle cryo-EM screening and data collection.  
• Process single-particle cryo-EM datasets.   
• Perform model building into high-resolution cryo-EM maps. 

About you…   

The essential criteria you will bring…  

• PhD in biochemistry (or related fields) or equivalent experience  
• Practical experience with protein expression, purification and in vitro protein biochemistry  
• Theoretical and practical expertise in cryo-electron microscopy, single particle analysis and model building  
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by preprints and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals  
• Ability to work flexibly, both independently and as part of a team  
• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings 

To see the complete job description, clickhere. 

To see more about the Group Leader clickhere. 

About Working at the Crick…  

Ourvalues   

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 want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our team and you will be asked as part of the process if you wish to apply under theDisability Confidentscheme.  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 clickhere. 

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.