(Senior) Laboratory Research Scientist - Znamenskiy Lab

Location: The Francis Crick Institute, Midland Road, London

Contract: This is a fixed term (36 months) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment. 

Salary: From £37,735 with benefits, subject to skills and experience for LRS. From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience for SLRS 

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. 

To learn more about the Crick, click here.

About the role 

The Znamenskiy lab studies the relationship between in vivo function, synaptic organization, and molecular identity of cortical neurons. Using the primary visual cortex as a model, we aim to understand how connections between neuronal cell types are organized and how this organization enables the computations they perform. 

Details of research projects currently being undertaken can be seen at www.znamlab.org. 

We are looking for a collaborative, individual to support the lab's spatial transcriptomics pipeline using a custom-built in situ sequencing platform, helping to link in vivo function, gene expression and connectivity of cortical neurons. 

We welcome applications from candidates at different stages of their scientific career. Appointment can be made at either Laboratory Research Scientist or Senior Laboratory Research Scientist level, commensurate with experience and achievements. 

What you will be doing 

You will:  

• Preparing tissue for in situ sequencing
• Developing and optimising in situ sequencing protocols
• Ordering and maintain inventories of in situ sequencing reagents
• Developing custom gene panels for profiling cell identity and cell state in situ
• Collecting in situ sequencing data using a custom-built sequencing setup
• Conducting quality control and preliminary analysis on in situ sequencing data
• Maintaining and developing the sequencing setup
• Training other users in this lab and other labs in the collection and analysis of in situ sequencing data 

Please see full job description here 

About you

You will bring 

• A degree or equivalent experience (BSc / MSc for LRS, PhD for SLRS) in Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a closely related field*
• Hands-on experience with RNA/DNA handling and / or tissue processing (e.g., fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNAscope)*
• Experience operating and troubleshooting epifluorescence or confocal microscopes*
• Basic proficiency in a programming language (Python, R, or MATLAB) to conduct quality control, process images, and handle preliminary data analysis*

Minimum criteria* 

About Working at the Crick… 

Our values  

• 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 Crick, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. If you need assistance with your application, please contact karen.au@crick.ac.uk

To read more about our EDI approach, click here.   

What will you receive?  

We value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development. You can find out more about what we offer here.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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