Clinician scientist group leaders

We are looking for clinician scientists from all specialities to join the Crick community.

Applications open

Apply now for our clinician scientist group leader programme!

Apply now
Researchers in a collaboration space at the Crick.

Crick clinician scientist group leaders

Crick clinician scientist group leaders (CSGLs) develop internationally leading research programmes in biomedical research and build their research profile, in their specialist area and the wider international research community. Crick CSGLs receive a core support package which we expect them to build on by attracting external response-mode funding. Our CSGLs contribute to scientific and operational administration at the Crick, working with colleagues in the Crick's graduate student and postdoc mentoring programmes, and represent the Crick at external meetings and scientific bodies. CSGLs contribute to the Crick's public engagement and fundraising activities.

Crick clinician scientist group leaders will:

  • Have completed general and/or specialist training in accordance with GMC requirements (or have equivalent national medical registration outside the UK)
  • Set up an independent research programme based at the Crick and this can be linked to any UK university hospital
  • Contribute to general scientific and medical discourse at the Crick
  • Maintain a licence to practise in accordance with GMC regulation
  • Promote and advance the reputation of the Crick and the partner University with clinicians, scientists and the public

Note that there is no specific stipulation as to the extent of clinical activity and it is understood that this may vary with speciality and research field. However, within the basic funding structure, up to 20% (2 clinical sessions per week) of time can be spent on clinical work. Additional clinical work will require agreement and bespoke co-funding with the partner University and associated NHS Trust.  

The clinician scientist group leader support package

This package applies for the full duration of the contract. It includes:

  • Competitive salary with benefits and relocation assistance
  • 12-year contract (subject to review at 6 years)
  • Salaries and research costs for up to three researchers and two graduate students
  • Opportunity to expand through external grant funding
  • Close ties to our partner universities - UCL, Imperial College London and King's College London
  • Access to Crick technology platforms and facilities, including our cutting-edge high performance computing infrastructure
  • Full lab set-up in state-of-the-art space

Person specification

  • An advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) and experience conducting research in a relevant field
  • A medical degree and GMC licence to practice medicine
  • Certificate of completion of general and specialist medicine training (GMC or equivalent)

How to apply

Applications should be made through our academic recruitment system before 23:59 GMT on Thursday 05 October 2023.

You will need:

  • Full academic CV
  • Publications list
  • Details of past research (~500 words)
  • Future research plans (~1000 words)
  • Two or more academic references

Successful applicants will be invited to the Crick for recruitment seminars Dec ‘23 - Feb ‘24

Further information on early career group leaders and their current research interests can be found at: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-study/faculty/clinical-group-leaders

Informal enquiries about the Francis Crick Institute or the application procedure can be made through: group-leader-recruitment@crick.ac.uk

We are able to support flexible working, including part-time work schedules, and will support visa applications for successful candidates and their families.

We believe diversity is integral to scientific excellence. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds that are currently under-represented in science.

Start your application

Hear from our current clinical group leaders

Katharina Schmack - Neural Circuits and Immunity in Psychosis Laboratory

The academic freedom I feel at the Crick is very stimulating. Our research is guided by our ideas, not by our constraints, and I can't wait to start this exciting chapter of my career. I believe that the collaborative spirit at the Crick will help our diverse team to push the boundaries of what we know about psychosis.

I also value the opportunity to work clinically alongside my research. My contact with psychosis patients was what drove me into biological research in the first place, and my clinical work is an ongoing source of motivation and provides the context that we need for our research.
 

Philippa Matthews - HBV Genomics for Elimination Laboratory

The Crick offers huge opportunities to expand my existing work and add new dimensions, with world-class support on offer through resources, collaborations, skillsets and infrastucture. The obvious enthusiasm at the Crick for developing clinical-research partnerships was a big advantage, and this will provide exciting possibilities for research that can have a rapid impact on clinical practice. 

I am already planning to develop new local collaborations with clinical centres in London, and develop my work in South Africa through a partnership with the Africa Health Research Institute.
 

James Lee - Genetic Mechanisms of Disease Laboratory

On paper the Crick looked like an amazing environment in which to do science, and I’m pleased to say that it hasn’t disappointed. The most impressive thing is the way in which everyone tries to help you succeed, from the science technology platform leads through to the quadrant managers and HR and IT teams. It was definitely a good decision to move!

What’s really exciting is that we can now go after some of the more important (and higher risk) questions in our field, supported by the security and duration of funding that the Crick provides.

Samra Turajlic - Cancer Dynamics Laboratory

There’s an amazing spirit of collaboration at the Crick and we’re planning on collaborating really widely across the building.

Through being at both the Crick and the Royal Marsden, I’m able to combine amazing basic science with clinical colleagues who are the best in their field, along with the wide range of clinical trials that we run on my on my clinical unit. We need to make sure that we're learning as much as possible from every patient by joining forces and working closely together.

Rupert Beale - Cell Biology of Infection Laboratory

Even without the great building and facilities, the environment for what I want to do is second to none here. There are so many groups working on autophagy, immunity and influenza biology, and I’m right in the middle of that Venn diagram. 

I also want my research to be driven as much as possible by biological questions rather than availability of technology. This environment really lets you explore that fully.

Mike Devine - Synapse Regulation Laboratory

Having recently joined the Crick, I am now beginning to understand what a unique research environment it is. The support, enthusiasm and expertise available here are second to none.
 
I am embarking on some new collaborations within the Crick with labs that I wouldn't have anticipated teaming up with, which is taking our work in entirely new directions. Meanwhile I am able to continue with clinical practice, which I have always found important to provide motivation and inspiration for tackling disease-related questions in the lab. 

I would really strongly encourage any clinician who is motivated to understand more about the fundamental biology of disease to apply to the Crick, or at the very least to contact some of the current clinical group leaders to find out more. Joining the Crick is an amazing opportunity - one not to be missed!