Postdoctoral Fellow (Papayannopoulos Lab)

Postdoctoral Fellow (Papayannopoulos Lab)

Contract term: This is a full-time, fixed term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Reporting to: Venizelos Papayannopoulos, Principal Group Leader

Salary for this Role: From £47,500 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 Papayannopoulos Lab

The Papayannopoulos Lab investigates how the innate immune system responds to infection while limiting harmful inflammation. Focusing on fungal and bacterial infections, we study how immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages coordinate antimicrobial responses, prevent sepsis and regulate inflammatory diseases.

Using cutting-edge immunology, cell biology and in vivo disease models, our research aims to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to improved treatments for infections and inflammatory diseases.

About the role

We are seeking an ambitious Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead an independent research project investigating how the recognition and processing of PAMPs and DAMPs regulates inflammation and microbial control during fungal and bacterial infections.

Working within a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment, you will design and deliver innovative research using molecular, cellular and in vivo approaches, while contributing to high-impact publications, grant applications and the wider research programme. This ERC-funded position offers an excellent opportunity to establish your independent research profile within a world-leading biomedical research institute.

See the full job description

Click to find out more about the Papayannopoulos Lab

What you’ll be doing

You will be responsible for:

• Leading an independent research project focused on innate immune responses during infection.
• Designing and carrying out experiments using in vitro systems and mouse models of disease.
• Applying molecular, cellular and biochemical techniques including flow cytometry, CRISPR, microscopy and transcriptomic analysis.
• Analysing experimental data and publishing findings in leading scientific journals.
• Presenting research at national and international conferences.
• Contributing to grant applications and collaborative research initiatives.
• Mentoring PhD students and collaborating with researchers across the Crick and external partners.

About you

You will have:

Essential:

(Minimum criteria*)

• PhD in immunology, infection biology, biochemistry, cell biology or a related discipline, or be in the final stages of PhD submission.*
• Strong knowledge of immunology, biochemistry and cell biology.*
• Experience working with molecular, cellular and mouse models of disease.*
• Evidence of first-author publications or manuscripts submitted for publication.*
• Excellent experimental design, scientific writing, organisational and collaborative working skills.*
• A passion for innovative research and strong drive to publish high-quality science.*

Desirable:

• Experience in myeloid cell biology or cellular signalling pathways.
• Experience with advanced biochemical or cellular biology techniques.

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.