Clinical group leaders

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

Applications are currently closed

Researchers in a collaboration space at the Crick.

A core part of the Crick is our community of medical researchers. 

One of our central goals is to develop collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches that combine clinical, biological and physical sciences. Over the next few years, we will be enhancing our focus on human biology and human disease specifically.

Crick clinical group leaders are appointed to a department at one of our partner universities (Imperial College London, King's College London and UCL), but establish their main research base at the Crick.

Our package

All you need to bring to the Crick is a good idea. We'll provide the technology, funding and colleagues to turn that idea into research that changes lives.
Peter Ratcliffe, Director of Clinical Research and 2019 Nobel Laureate
  • A competitive salary
  • Salaries and consumables for up to five lab members, including graduate students
  • Opportunity to expand through external grant funding
  • Ready access to Crick technology platforms and facilities
  • Full lab setup in state-of-the-art laboratory space

Successful candidates will receive funding to establish their research base at the Crick for an initial six years, renewable subject to satisfactory review to a total of 12 years. Up to 20% of time can be spent on clinical work.

What we're looking for

  • A higher 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) 
  • The ability to communicate well, convey ideas and concepts clearly and effectively
  • Growing reputation in the field of research demonstrated through publications and conference presentations
  • A strong and distinctive research vision
  • The potential to provide academic leadership

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.

1

Research

  • Plan, develop and direct an independent research programme of the highest quality
     
  • Recruit and supervise research staff and facilitate their career development
     
  • Manage laboratory resources efficiently and effectively
     
  • Compete successfully for external research funding (though the Crick will provide substantial support from its core resources, it is anticipated the Crick clinician scientists will build on this through applications to external funding bodies)
     
  • Build collaborative research programmes with investigators at the Crick, the partner university and beyond

2

Clinical medicine

  • Actively contribute to general scientific discourse at the Crick, particularly as it relates to clinical medicine
     
  • Maintain a licence to practice in accordance with GMC regulations 

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 this should not exceed 8 hours per week. 

3

Education, leadership and citizenship

  • Participate fully in mentoring and career development particularly in relation to clinicians undergoing research training 
     
  • Participate in development of operational structures that enhance medicine at the Crick
     
  • Promote and advance the reputation of the Crick and the partner university with clinicians, scientists and the public
     
  • Participate and contribute to public engagement activities of the Crick and the university as required
     
  • Comply with the health and safety policies and fulfil the safety responsibilities required of a research supervisor

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!