Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Hardware Instrument Development and Prototyping
Reporting to: Andrea Serio – Group Leader
Contract term: This is a full-time, fixed term (2-year) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
Salary for this Role: From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

About the Serio Lab & VISIBLE
The Serio Lab brings together stem-cell biology, bioengineering, microscopy, automation and disease modelling to build next-generation experimental systems for human biology.

At the centre of this work is VISIBLE – a new imaging-driven platform designed to transform how complex biological models such as organoids and engineered tissues are built, monitored and analysed. Combining live imaging, automation, environmental control and biofabrication within one modular system, VISIBLE enables researchers to interact with biological systems in entirely new ways.

We are now looking for talented scientists and engineers to help take VISIBLE from an advanced academic platform into an exciting future spin-out company. This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of science, technology and entrepreneurship, while remaining embedded within a world-leading biomedical research institute.

About the role
We are seeking a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist to lead hands-on hardware development, instrument prototyping and technical build activities across the VISIBLE platform.

Working within a highly interdisciplinary team, you will develop, assemble, integrate and troubleshoot complex instrumentation spanning microscopy, robotics, motion control, sensors, electronics, environmental control, fluidics, biofabrication and automated laboratory systems. You will work closely with researchers, engineers and software developers to convert prototype designs into robust, practical and deployment-ready systems.

This role would suit a hands-on engineer, instrumentation specialist or technical scientist who enjoys building complex systems, solving practical hardware challenges and developing innovative tools for cutting-edge biological research.

This is a rare opportunity to join VISIBLE at a defining moment, as the project moves from an advanced academic platform toward a potential spin-out company. The successful candidate will be part of the team helping to shape the technology, workflows and technical direction of VISIBLE from the inside, with the possibility of contributing to the foundations of a new company.

While the post will initially be based at the Crick, and remain subject to Crick terms and conditions, there may be an opportunity for the successful candidate, subject to company formation, relevant approvals, business needs and separate agreement, to be considered for a future role within the founding or early technical team of the spin-out. Any future participation in the company, including potential equity or incentive arrangements, would be determined separately and subject to the governance, policies and terms of the future company.

See the job description here
Click to find out more about the Serio Lab
VISIBLE preprint

What you’ll be doing
You will be responsible for:

• Building, assembling, integrating and maintaining hardware components and instrument modules for the VISIBLE platform.
• Supporting development and troubleshooting of microscopy, robotics, motion-control, fluidics, environmental-control and imaging-interface components.
• Developing custom prototype components using methods such as CAD, 3D printing, machining, fabrication and rapid prototyping.
• Supporting electronics, wiring, sensor integration, circuit development, PCB prototyping and control-system testing where required.
• Working closely with software developers, AI specialists and researchers to resolve hardware/software integration challenges and support reliable automated workflows.
• Preparing SOPs, technical documentation, maintenance records, risk assessments, wiring diagrams, build notes and validation materials.
• Supporting demonstrations, training, deployment, maintenance and troubleshooting activities for internal and external users.

About you
You will have:
Essential:

• Relevant qualification or equivalent experience in engineering, instrumentation, biomedical engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, physics, robotics or a related discipline.
• Strong hands-on experience in hardware development, instrument build, prototyping, laboratory automation or scientific instrumentation.
• Experience assembling, troubleshooting, calibrating and maintaining complex technical systems or research instruments.
• Practical experience working with multiple types of mechanical, electrical/electronic, optomechanical, robotic, sensor-based or motion-control components.
• Strong organisational, troubleshooting and collaborative working skills, with the ability to work safely and systematically in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Ability to communicate technical issues clearly and to document hardware builds, tests and maintenance processes to a high standard.

Desirable

• Experience with 3D printing, CAD, rapid prototyping, machining, custom fabrication or design-for-build workflows.
• Experience with electronics, wiring, sensors, circuit development, PCB fabrication, embedded control or control systems.
• Experience working with microscopy, optomechanics, robotics, live-imaging, fluidics, biofabrication or automated laboratory systems.
• Experience integrating hardware with software, firmware, motion-control systems or robotic automation platforms.
• Experience working in biological or live-cell laboratory environments, including equipment training, safe operation and user support.

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 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.

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.