Senior/Principal Laboratory Research Scientist
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Senior/Principal Laboratory Research Scientist – Making Lab Science Technology Platform
Reporting to: Head of Making Lab STP
Contract term: This is a full-time permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
Salary for this Role:
Senior Laboratory Research Scientist: From £45,700 with benefits, subject to skills and experience
Principal Laboratory Research Scientist: 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) operating at the interface of engineering and biology. We accelerate biomedical discovery by designing and delivering advanced engineering solutions to complex scientific challenges.
We collaborate across Neuroscience, Structural Biology, Cancer, Immunology and Bioengineering. Our expertise lies in Systems Engineering and Microfluidics & Tissue Engineering. We build robotics, automation platforms, sensing systems and integrated hardware-software tools that power cutting-edge research.
As part of the global Making in Research movement, we champion open hardware, rapid prototyping and reproducible system design to drive innovation in science.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced engineer to join the Making Lab team at Senior (SLRS) or Principal (PLRS) level.
This is a hands-on technically demanding role focused on leading the development of robotics, automation and integrated hardware-software systems for biomedical research. You will take ownership of the full project lifecycle, from initial technical scoping and system architecture through electronic hardware integration, embedded and software development, testing, validation and final deployment.
Projects span bespoke instrumentation and complex real-time experimental platforms, delivered in close collaboration with neurophysiology groups and teams developing advanced automated lab systems.
You will operate within state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated electronics and integration spaces alongside a workshop for digital and conventional manufacturing (CNC, laser machining, additive manufacturing). At Principal level, you will also contribute to management and long-term technical strategy, infrastructure development and platform planning for the Systems Engineering activity.
Click here to read more about the STP
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:
- Leading end-to-end development of bespoke hardware-software systems.
- Designing and integrating control systems, robotics platforms and data acquisition interfaces.
- Developing microcontroller-based systems, PCBs and sensor integrations.
- Applying structured systems engineering methods. Using version control, testing frameworks and clear documentation standards.
- Providing expert input on experimental design, feasibility and system architecture.
- Mentoring engineers and deliver hands-on technical training to researchers.
- Contributing to publications and disseminating technical resources.
- At principal level, contributing to platform strategy, infrastructure planning and capital investment.
About you
You will have:
(Minimum criteria for SLRS & PLRS*)
(Minimum criteria for PLRS**)
Essential:
- Degree, PhD or equivalent experience in Engineering, Robotics, Electronics, Mechatronics or related field.*
- Significant hands-on experience in system design and hardware-software integration.*
- Strong programming skills in Python and C ++ within Linux environments.*
- Experience developing control systems, automation platforms or experimental instrumentation.*
- Expertise in microcontrollers, PCB design and sensor integration.*
- Strong understanding of testing, reproducibility and structured engineering workflows.*
- Comfortable leading multidisciplinary technical projects.**
Desirable:
- Experience at the engineering-biology interface.
- Knowledge of signal processing, imaging systems or biomedical instrumentation.
- Experience with digital fabrication, including CNC machining, 3D printing or laser cutting.
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.