The Francis Crick Institute
Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Lightfield Specialist
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Salary for this Role:
From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Job Title:
Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Lightfield Specialist
Reports to:
Kurt Anderson
Closing Date:
24/Aug/2026 23.59 GMT
Job Description:
Job Title: Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Lightfield Specialist
Details of the role:
Reporting to: Head of Crick Advanced Light Microscopy and Head of Tumour cell Biology Lab
Working pattern: This is a 2 year full-time, fixed term position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
Salary: From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience
Application closing date: 24th of August 2026 at 23.59pm
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
We are seeking a technically skilled Lightfield Microscopy Specialist to work at the Francis Crick Institute within the CALM STP and the Sahai lab.
Working within the CALM STP and Sahai group, you will help researchers use cutting-edge 3D imaging technologies, including confocal, multi-photon, and light-sheet microscopes, making a direct contribution to world class scientific research. You will be supporting Crick scientists wanting to image thicker samples including mouse tumours, organoids, and developmental models including drosophila larvae.
Project Summary
The Lightfield Specialist will work within the CALM team and Sahai group to evaluate the use of lightfield microscopy and its implementation in the RUSH3D HD system. They will support and train users in all stages of lightfield microscopy use, including experimental design, image acquisition, and especially data reconstruction. Approximately 50% of this role will be focussed on the generation of dynamic imaging datasets relating to the tumour microenvironment and how it is modulated by therapy. The other half will involve building the lightfield user base by developing approaches to image a wide range of samples, from 3D cell culture models through to model organisms including zebrafish and fruit flies, as well as mouse tissue including intravital microscopy. Finally, the Lightfield Specialist will also work with equipment manufacturers to ensure equipment performs optimally.
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This role is a collaboration between Kurt Anderson, Erik Sahai and Andreas Schaefer and will report into Kurt and Erik.
What you will be doing
You will:
- Provide training and advice on the use of lightfield microscopy
- Advise on the use of reconstruction methods
- Generate and analyse high quality dynamic imaging data pertaining to the tumour microenvironment
- Work with Crick Researchers on the design of experiments involving lightfield microscopy
- Develop and optimise standard operating protocols for the use of lightfield microscopy
- Work with Crick Researchers on the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of lightfield microscopy data
- Work with CALM on the specification and acquisition of hardware and software for lightfield microscopy
- Communication to internal and external audiences
About you
You will have:
- A PhD in an engineering, physical, or life science
- Evidence of collaboration skills
- Training and/or teaching experience
- Experience imaging thick samples, such as spheroids, organoids, embryos, etc.
- Laboratory based experience using lightfield microscopy to answer biological questions
- Desire to develop new skills, including in the design and implementation of biological experiments
- Experience with the RUSH3D HD approach to lightfield microscopy (desirable)
Minimum criteria
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.
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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: 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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