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 23.59

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Company

At the Crick, we’re committed to advancing, promoting, and sharing understanding of human health and disease. We do that by attracting talented and ambitious people from all disciplines and backgrounds and giving them the support and freedom they need to succeed. Inside the Crick, you’ll discover scientists working to stretch the very limits of what we know about how life works. Their research holds the key to answering fundamental questions about human health and disease. Our bold and innovative research projects bring together scientists and technicians from all disciplines in the pursuit of discovery without boundaries. With the support of our partners, we’re bridging the gap between discovery and application to help change lives for the better. And through our dynamic structure, we’re able to develop the science leaders of tomorrow. That’s our bold idea, tell us yours.

Company info

Location

London
NW1 1AT
United Kingdom