Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Worldwide Influenza Centre

Worldwide Influenza Centre – Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (WIC-SLRS)

Details of the role: Permanent, full-time. Working pattern: Monday – Friday.

Salary: From £45,700 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Application closing date: 12/05/25 23:59 GMT

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 collaborate 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 role…

The WIC, based at the Francis Crick Institute is one of seven global World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research in Influenza. The seven Collaborating Centres are a critical part of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) and act as ‘hubs’ receiving and analysing influenza samples from over 150 countries around the world. The WIC also works with zoonotic influenza in our world class high containment laboratories, providing support for pandemic preparedness activities within GISRS.

In this role you will be responsible for day-to-day tasks within the seasonal influenza laboratory of the WIC and contributing to the zoonotic work of WIC team. You will work at all levels of biological containment, isolating and propagating seasonal and zoonotic influenza viruses. You will phenotypically and genetically characterise the viruses, preparing reports on your findings for WHO and others.

What you will be doing…

As an SLRS in WIC, you will:

• Be responsible for day-to-day tasks within the seasonal influenza laboratory of the WIC and to contribute to zoonotic work of WIC by supporting work in the zoonotic team.
• Provide experimental or technical support to other lab members.
• Provide technical expertise/ input for the development, refinement and troubleshooting of relevant /novel methodologies.
• Writing up findings for reports and publications /and completing revisions.
• Organise and manage the laboratory, including maintaining laboratory databases, ordering of laboratory supplies, monitoring budgets, and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Train and supervise other lab members in key techniques and protocols, lab operations, and equipment use.

About you…

The essential criteria you will bring…

• BSc and MSc in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience of working on influenza or other respiratory viruses.
• Experience of working at Containment Level -2.
• Experience of virus propagation, preferable with respiratory viruses.
• Experience of molecular techniques, such as DNA/RNA extraction and PCR.
• Familiarity with laboratory databases.
• A proven track record of meeting overall standards in an analytical virology laboratory.
• A proven track record of working with limited supervision.
• An ability to communicate both straightforward and complex, information to a broad range of internal and external audiences.
• Productive working in a team environment.
• A proven track record of maintaining professional development in relevant scientific areas through scientific meetings, seminars and literature.

To see the complete job description here.

To learn more about WIC, click here.

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: [email protected]

To find out more about life at the Crick click here.

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.
• Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure based on skills and experience.