Postdoctoral Fellow - Costa Lab

Salary for this Role:

From £45,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Job Title:

Reports to:

Closing Date:

Job Description:

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow

Details of the role: 2 positions available on 4 yr. FTC, full time.

Salary: From £45,500 pa with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Application closing date: 03/08/25

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 Costa lab currently hosts nine researchers from eight different countries. We focus on the molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic chromosome replication with two main areas of investigation:

• Relication initiation – funded by an 8-year Wellcome Discovery Award starting in September 2025.

• Chromatin replication and epigenetic inheritance – currently funded by the Francis Crick Institute.

We employ in vitro reconstitution with purified proteins (yeast and human) and isolation of endogenous DNA-processing machineries (Xenopus).  We use a combination of biochemical and single-particle cryo-EM approaches. We are currently also developing in situ cryo-tomography imaging of replicating nuclei established with frog egg extracts.

We are looking for individuals who share our passion for molecular mechanisms of fundamental cellular processes. Biochemists, molecular biologists and structural biologists (including cryo-tomography scientists) are encouraged to apply.

Click here for further information on the lab and published papers.

What you will be doing… 

As a Postdoc at the Crick, you will be: 

• using biochemical approaches to reconstitute and/or isolate endogenous replisome assemblies for structural studies.

• validating structures obtained with cryo-EM by generating protein variants for biochemical and fluorescence-based activity assays.

• studying spatial and temporal organisation of replication factories in situ with cryo-tomography.

About you…  

The essential criteria you will bring… 

• PhD in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics or related fields.

• Experience in molecular biology and protein purification.

• Technical expertise in biochemical reconstitution or fluorescence imaging technology.

• Experience in establishing biochemical assays.

• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals.

• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings.

To see the complete job description, click here.

To learn more about the team/Group Leader, 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 you will be asked as part of the process if you wish to apply under the scheme. We will make reasonable adjustments if you need them. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: people@crick.ac.uk

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.