Head of Cryo-Electron Microscopy Platform

Salary for this Role:

Competitive with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Job Title:

Reports to:

Closing Date:

Job Description:

Head of Cryo-Electron Microscopy Platform

Reports to: Director of Scientific Platforms

This is a full-time permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

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 role

We are looking for a Head of Cryo- Electron Microscopy Platform to join the Crick and advance our ambitions in delivering state-of-the-art science that applies cryo-EM to problems from the molecular to cellular scale.

We are looking to appoint an individual who has strengths in both experimental and in advanced computational methods in Cryo-EM. The post-holder will work in collaboration with Crick scientists to advance applications of Cryo-EM to a wide range of science at the Crick and, in conjunction with the Director of Science Technology Platforms, establish a long-term strategy for advancing the Cryo-EM platform.

The Cryo-EM platform has excellent facilities with two Titan Krios 300kV instruments, one fitted with a Gatan energy filter and K2 detector plus Falcon 4i and the other with a Selectris energy filter and Falcon 4i. The Crick Institute has excellent High Performance Computing resources, dedicated high-speed data storage and CPU and GPU clusters.

In collaboration with the Cryo-EM Operations Lead, the Cryo-EM Facility Manager and Crick scientists, the successful applicant will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategic vision for the future direction of the platform. This includes identifying research priorities and evaluating and promoting new techniques and technologies.

This is a particularly exciting position that will play a central role in how we develop and apply Cryo-EM at the Crick and have high visibility in the cryo-EM community.

If you are an experienced Cryo-EM scientist with a strong record of high-impact research and deep practical expertise spanning all aspects of Cryo-EM, from biochemistry and sample optimisation through to data collection, image processing, and structure determination, we’d love to hear from you.

What you will be doing

Some of your key responsibilities for this role will include, but are not limited to:

• Engaging with Crick Scientists to establish a long-term strategy for advancing the Cryo-EM platform.
• Developing and implementing cutting edge technologies and protocols to ensure the platform delivers cutting edge science in Cryo-EM.
• Evaluating new approaches, techniques, and instrumentation within the Cryo-EM and Structural Biology field, and implementing them in the platform, as appropriate.
• Maintaining continuing professional development in relevant scientific areas by attending scientific meetings and conferences.
• Acting as primary point of contact for Crick researchers, ensuring that the platform’s capabilities align with scientific priorities and are responsive to the evolving needs of our research community.

Please see the link to the Job Description here.

About you

You will have: 

• PhD in Structural Biology or related areas, or equivalent experience.
• Proven scientific track record in delivering high-impact studies applying Cryo-EM. *
• Extensive experience in all aspects of Cryo-EM; biochemistry, sample preparation/optimisation, data collection, image processing, structure determination and analysis. *
• Experience in the management of a team, including motivation of staff, delegation, objective-setting, constructive feedback, performance management, and employee development. *
• Experience managing relationships with external stakeholders such as industry.
• A strong understanding of the computing hardware, software and data requirements of Cryo-EM science, including experience with high performance computing and networking. *

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: [email protected]

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. 

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.