The Francis Crick Institute
Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Chandra Lab
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Reporting to: Vikram Chandra, Group leader
Working pattern
This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
Salary
From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Application closing date
13th of October 2026 at 23:59.
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.
The Research Group
The Chandra lab studies the evolution of brains and behaviour, using acoels as a model to ask how diffuse nerve nets transitioned into centralised brains and to understand its consequences.
The lab has developed the acoel Hofstenia miamia as a new neuroscience model. Hofstenia has a unique 'diffuse brain' composed of undifferentiated tiles of circuits that interact to generate distributed computation. By studying Hofstenia in a comparative context, the lab aims to uncover the organising principles of diffuse brains and understand how the first animal brains evolved from ancient nerve nets. Research combines a range of approaches to investigate neural architecture, circuit activity, computational function and behavioural control.
Find more about the Chandra lab here.
About the role
We are seeking an innovative and highly motivated Senior Laboratory Research Scientist to join the Chandra Lab and play a leading role in advancing our research into brain evolution and function.
This position will involve leading a project focused on engineering transgenic lines in Hofstenia and potentially other acoel species, helping to establish and expand a cutting-edge experimental platform for investigating nervous system organisation, regeneration, and behaviour. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute directly to pioneering discoveries in an emerging neuroscience model and shape the direction of a growing research programme.
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In addition to driving transgenics based research, the postholder will be responsible for animal care and the maintenance of healthy acoel cultures, as well as supporting the day to day operation of the laboratory to ensure the smooth delivery of research activities. This is a varied and hands on role that combines scientific leadership, technical expertise, and laboratory management within a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.
The role offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious scientist to develop new methodologies, contribute to high impact research, and help build novel experimental resources that will advance our understanding of how brains evolve.
What you will be doing:
- experiments aimed at identifying optimal engineering protocols to develop stable transgenic lines in acoel worms
- plasmid design, cloning, molecular biology, embryo microinjections
- generation and maintenance of stable transgenic lines
- animal care, including collecting embryos, rearing juvenile wild-type and transgenic Hofstenia and potentially other acoel species, and monitoring an automated sea water recirculation system
- helping set up and organising the wet lab; onboarding lab members
- managing reagents, consumables, and equipment; maintaining inventory
- contributing to writing papers, and collaborating within and outside the lab where appropriate
Please click here for full job description.
About you
You will have:
- PhD in molecular biology or a related field
- expertise in genetic engineering
- experience with embryo microinjection
- ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- a track record of completing scientific projects, evidenced by authorship on rigorous peer-reviewed articles
- experience with marine invertebrates or other non-model species (desirable)
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.
Get help with your application
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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: karen.au@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.
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.
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