Head of Structural Biology STP

Location: The Francis Crick Institute, Midland Road, London 

Short summary

The Crick organises access to high-end equipment and related technical expertise, for all its scientists, through Science Technology Platforms (STP). Overall, there are 18 world-class STPs, representing a major investment by the Francis Crick Institute. 

The Crick is looking to recruit an expert with an international reputation to lead and manage our world-leading Structural Biology Science Technology Platform (STP). The Head of the Structural Biology STP will support research at the Francis Crick Institute by leading a multidisciplinary technology platform which, in collaboration with Crick research groups, aims to describe and characterise the structure of individual proteins and protein complexes to help understand mechanisms behind human disease. 

The STP currently employs 20 specialist staff. They provide specialised protein expression and purification, biophysics analysis and characterisation, and structure determination (x-Ray crystallography and Cryo-electron microscopy) to approximately 35 research groups. 

Key Responsibilities

• Managing and leading a state-of-the-art Structural Biology core facility with cutting edge technology and a proactive approach to technology development.
• Providing scientific expertise and leadership in performing and delivering an excellent and timely service to scientific users within the Crick.
• Developing a long-term strategy for providing world class Structural Biology capabilities and to establish and supervise collaborative projects with Crick Research Group Leaders.
• Supporting the development of the Cryo-electron microscopy facility to accommodate the increasing demand and complexity of research projects.
• Participating in scientific discussions and brainstorming regarding experimental design, and new technological development and innovation in the different areas of structural biology (protein synthesis, biophysics, x-Ray crystallography and Cryo-electron microscopy), thereby ensuring the Platform remains at the leading edge to support scientific discovery.
• Providing expertise and training to researchers and research support staff at the Crick and partner organisations. 

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental biology underlying health and disease. Its work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.

An independent organisation, its founding partners are the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King’s College London.

The Crick was formed in 2015, and in 2016 it moved into a new state-of-the-art building in central London which brings together 1500 scientists and support staff working collaboratively across disciplines, making it the biggest biomedical research facility under in one building in Europe.

The Francis Crick Institute will be world-class with a strong national role. Its distinctive vision for excellence includes commitments to collaboration; developing emerging talent and exporting it the rest of the UK; public engagement; and helping turn discoveries into treatments as quickly as possible to improve lives and strengthen the economy. 

• If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website.
• The closing date for applications is 24.01.24
• All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.