Principal Laboratory Research Scientist - Vinuesa Lab

Location: The Francis Crick Institute, Midland Road, London

Salary: From £52,100 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Short summary

The Vinuesa lab studies the fundamental processes that govern the production of high quality, protective antibody responses, while preventing autoimmunity. This includes investigation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin the selection of long-lived B cells and human B cell tolerance, as well as the genes and pathways responsible for autoimmune disease. The overall goal is to use the knowledge gained to refine diagnosis and improve treatment.

The specific project that we are recruiting to, involves identification and isolation of self-reactive (DNA-specific) single B cells using microfluidics, identification of the BCR sequences, and generation and characterization of the expressed recombinant monoclonal antibodies.

The role of a Principal Laboratory Research Scientist in the Crick is diverse and rewarding. The role covers a wide range of different functions and allows for continuity of lab operations. The role offers support to one or more scientific projects or programmes. Typical activities include:

• Collaborating with other lab members with/ research projects.
• Providing experimental or technical support to other lab members.
• Developing novel methodologies.
• Undertaking own research project, designing, and executing experiments with strategic direction from the group leader.
• Managing long-term investigations and collaborations with other researchers.
• Participating in academic activities, including presenting in group meetings and journal clubs, interest group seminars, and scientific meetings.

Key Responsibilities

These include but are not limited to:

• Design and implement a human antibody discovery platform, focused on the identification of single self-reactive B cells, recombinant expression of their autoantibodies, and characterization of their affinity and specificity
• Write up the relevant risk assessments
• Create a custom database of identified BCR sequences
• Write up method and results for publication
• Train laboratory staff in the new methodology

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental biology underlying health and disease. Its work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.

An independent organisation, its founding partners are the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King’s College London.

The Crick was formed in 2015, and in 2016 it moved into a new state-of-the-art building in central London which brings together 1500 scientists and support staff working collaboratively across disciplines, making it the biggest biomedical research facility under in one building in Europe.

The Francis Crick Institute will be world-class with a strong national role. Its distinctive vision for excellence includes commitments to collaboration; developing emerging talent and exporting it the rest of the UK; public engagement; and helping turn discoveries into treatments as quickly as possible to improve lives and strengthen the economy.

• If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website.
• The closing date for applications is 11^TH August 2024.
• All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.

Advert information