Postdoctoral Fellow

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 collaborate 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

The Costa lab currently hosts nine researchers from eight different countries. We focus on the molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic chromosome replication with two main areas of investigation:

• Relication initiation - funded by an 8-year Wellcome Discovery Award starting in September 2025.

Chromatin replication and epigenetic inheritance - currently funded by the Francis Crick Institute.
We employ in vitro reconstitution with purified proteins (yeast and human) and isolation of endogenous DNA-processing machineries (Xenopus). We use a combination of biochemical and single-particle cryo-EM approaches. We are currently also developing in situ cryo-tomography imaging of replicating nuclei established with frog egg extracts.

We are looking for individuals who share our passion for molecular mechanisms of fundamental cellular processes. Biochemists, molecular biologists and structural biologists (including cryo-tomography scientists) are encouraged to apply.

What you will be doing

• Using biochemical approaches to reconstitute and/or isolate endogenous replisome assemblies for structural studies.
• Validating structures obtained with cryo-EM by generating protein variants for biochemical and fluorescence-based activity assays.
• Studying spatial and temporal organisation of replication factories in situ with cryo-tomography.

About you

The essential criteria you will bring

• PhD in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics or related fields.
• Experience in molecular biology and protein purification.
• Technical expertise in biochemical reconstitution or fluorescence imaging technology.
• Experience in establishing biochemical assays.
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals.
• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings.

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.