Postdoctoral Fellow - Cellular Signalling and Cytoskeletal Function Lab

Crick Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research institute in Greater London seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to explore the cellular role of Arp2/3 iso-complex in actin polymerisation. Candidates should hold a PhD in cell biology or related fields and possess expertise in cytoskeleton signalling and imaging techniques. The position offers a collaborative environment, leading research projects, and mentoring PhD students. Competitive salary and benefits are included, with a focus on innovation in scientific research.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Pension contributions up to 16%

Health support programs

Discounted gym memberships

Subsidised on-site restaurant

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of signalling and cytoskeleton function.
• Experience with live cell imaging and microscopy.
• Proven track record of publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects in the lab.
• Collaborate with other researchers.
• Guide PhD students in their research.

Skills

Knowledge in cell and developmental biology

Experience in biochemical assays

Technical expertise in imaging

Ability to lead projects

Education

PhD in cell, developmental biology, immunology or biochemistry

Job description

**Salary for this Role:**From £45,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.**Job Title:**Postdoctoral Fellow - Cellular signalling and cytoskeletal function lab**Reports to:**Michael Way**Closing Date:**19/Feb/2026 23.59 GMT**Job Description:****Job Title:** Postdoctoral fellow - Cellular signalling and cytoskeletal function - Way lab**Details of the role:****Reports to:** Michael Way – Group Leader**Working pattern:** This is a full-time fixed term position for 4 years on Crick Terms & Conditions of Employment**Application closing date**: 19th of February 2026 at 23.59The 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 seeking a motivated and independent post-doctoral scientist to work on a project examining the cellular, developmental or physiological role of Arp2/3 iso-complex driven actin polymerisation in Michael Way’s laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute.**The Project**Branched actin networks drive multiple cellular processes, from cell migration to intracellular transport. These branched actin networks can only be nucleated by the Arp2/3 complex, consisting of 7 evolutionarily conserved subunits (the Actin Related Proteins Arp2 and Arp3, as well as ArpC1-ArpC5). In mammals, however, three of the subunits have two different isoforms that are encoded by separate genes (Arp3/Arp3B, ARPC1A/ARPC1B and ARPC5/ARPC5L). We previously demonstrated that these isoforms confer different properties to the Arp2/3 complex which result in differences in both the assembly and disassembly of actin networks (PMID:26655834, PMID:34106209, PMID:39009834 and BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.64898/2025.12.01.691495). The importance of Arp2/3 complex subunit isoforms is evident from the observation that loss of human ARPC1B results in severe inflammation and immunodeficiency (PMID:28368018). We have also found that loss of function mutations in ARPC5 lead to immune disease, multiple congenital anomalies, and early postnatal death (PMID:37382373). More recently, by deleting ARPC5 in the murine hematopoietic system, we uncovered why patients lacking ARPC5 develop gastrointestinal complications, immunodeficiency and are prone to fatal sepsis (PMID:41231985). Specifically, macrophages lacking Arpc5-, but not Arpc5l-, containing Arp2/3 complexes are unable to maintain host-microbiota homeostasis as they are deficient in phagocytosing and killing intra-cellular bacteria. ARPC5 also modulates T-tubule organization in skeletal muscle by regulating cortical actin (PMID:28892082 and BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.08.13.607563)It is now clear that the mammalian Arp2/3 complex is a family of 8 iso-complexes with unique biochemical properties that are involved in specific cellular and/or physiological functions. The focus of the project will depend on the candidates own interests, while aiming to further examine the cellular, developmental and/or physicological role of Arp2/3 iso-complex driven actin polymerisation.**What you will be doing**Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.You will:* Examine the cellular, developmental and/or physicological role of Arp2/3 iso-complex driven actin polymerisation* Explore the role of signalling and function of the actin cytoskeleton in cells and tissues* Purify recombinant proteins and perform in vitro biochemical assays* Perform live cell imaging, expansion microscopy and image analysis* Contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis* Guide PhD students in their research* Lead on projects**About you**You will have:* PhD in cell, developmental biology, immunology or biochemistry.\** Good knowledge and experience in signalling and function of the cytoskeleton \** Technical expertise in cell or developmental biology, biochemistry, imaging, tissue biology or working with mice\** Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts* Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings* Ability to work independently and also capable of interacting within a group\*Minimum Criteria**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: [e-mail] 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.***