Principal Laboratory Research Scientist

Salary for this Role:

From £55,555 per annum with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Job Title:

Principal Laboratory Research Scientist

Reports to:

Albane Imbert

Closing Date:

27/Nov/2025 23.59 GMT

Job Description:

Principal Laboratory Research Scientist – Making Lab Science Technology Platform

Reporting to: Head of Making Lab STP

Contact term: This is a full-time permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Salary for this Role: From £55,555 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

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 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 Making Lab

The Making Lab is a Science Technology Platform (STP) that sits at the crossroads of engineering and biology, powering innovation in biomedical research. We design and build cutting-edge tools to tackle challenges across Neuroscience, Structural Biology and Bioengineering – from Cancer to Infectious Disease.

Our team blends creativity and tech know-how in Systems Engineering and Microfluidics & Biomaterials, helping scientists turn bold ideas into breakthroughs. As part of the global “Making in Research” movement, we champion open sharing, prototyping and collaboration to accelerate discovery.

About the role

The postholder will drive innovation at the crossroads of engineering and biomedicine, leading projects from concept to creation – from design and assembly to testing and optimisation. You will develop everything from bespoke instruments and advanced experimental platforms, collaborating with researchers across diverse biomedical fields, including neurophysiology and automated experimental platforms.

Working closely with research teams, STPs and the Crick Translation team, you’ll have access to cutting-edge facilities including a dedicated systems engineering space for electronics, programming, and platform integration, a workshop for digital and conventional manufacturing, and specialised biomaterials and microfluidics facilities equipped with bioprinting, microfabrication, and characterisation tools. You will mentor junior engineers, train scientists and play a key role in shaping the future of the lab’s technologies.

Click here to read more about the lab

See the full job description here.

For more details on the type of projects developed at the lab:

OptoPi: An open source flexible platform for the analysis of small animal behaviour

Functional specialisation of multisensory temporal integration in the mouse superior colliculus

VISIBLE: An imaging-driven system for sampling, biofabrication, and manipulation of complex biological models

Chronobot: Deep learning guided time-resolved cryo-EM captures molecular choreography of RecA in homology search

What you will be doing

You will be responsible for:

• Lead the design and development of bespoke hardware-software systems for biomedical research projects in collaboration with Crick groups and external partners.
• Drive end-to-end technology development – from scoping and prototyping to system integration, testing and optimisation.
• Deliver expert support in Systems Engineering, ensuring high-quality service and robust technical methodologies.
• Mentor and train researchers, developing and delivering practical workshops and training programmes.
• Co-manage lab operations, ensuring smooth running of electronics, mechanical and manufacturing facilities.
• Contribute to project dissemination through reports, publications and presentations.
• Support strategic planning, including lab development, CAPEX priorities and long-term technological direction.

About you

You will have:

(Minimum criteria *)

Essential:

• Degree or PhD (or equivalent experience) in related fields.
• Strong hands-on experience in system design, programming and hardware-software integration.
• Proficiency in Python/Linux and/or C++, with experience in electronics design, mechanical CAD, and rapid prototyping.
• Background in developing automation or control systems (e.g. robotics, data acquisition or experimental platforms).
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience in multidisciplinary R&D environments.

Desirable:

• Experience at the interface of engineering and biology, including biomedical instrumentation or neurophysiology.
• Familiarity with optics, sensors, imaging systems or digital fabrication tools (3D printing, laser cutting).
• Experience supporting lab operations such as recruitment, budgeting or equipment management.

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: ruby.oluwafemi@crick.ac.uk.

Find out more about life at the Crick.

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.
• Career support: A Post-doc to PI programme and other career development activities

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.