(Senior) Research Scientist for in vivo work
Location: Navira Ltd, at the Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 (on site) Closing date: 30 Sep 2026 Start date: Flexible; priority for early joiners Salary: £40,000–£55,000 depending on experience Contact: careers@navira.bio
About Navira
Navira is a spin-out of the Francis Crick Institute developing the next generation of AAV-based delivery systems. Our engineered AAV capsids are built to solve the problem that limits most CNS gene therapies: getting vectors across the blood-brain barrier, into the right cells, at a dose that is safe. We are a team of 6 scientists working out of lab space at the Crick, with a multi-year programme funded by a UK government body and venture funding. We combine capsid engineering, protein design and in vivo validation, which means the person doing the animal work sits at the centre of the programme rather than at the end of it.
The Role
We are seeking a passionate and enthusiastic (Senior) Research Scientist to join our team to accelerate the validation of our vector designs in vivo.
In this role, you will contribute to assessing the performance and refinement of Navira’s AAV platforms in vivo using mice, in the spirit of the 3Rs of animal research. As such, you will be part of the team responsible for the pre-clinical validation of our delivery systems, with particular focus on applications to neurological conditions. These experiments are pivotal to the success of our research programme and therefore you will be highly involved in the activities performed by the entire team.
The position is based at our research laboratory within the Francis Crick Institute in central London (NW1), near King’s Cross, where the work will be carried out in person. If you’re excited about advancing gene therapies and their impact, we’d love to hear from you!
Key responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with your colleagues to ensure effective coordination
- Design and write study plans for experiments autonomously
- Perform regulated procedures on animal models in compliance with the relevant regulatory framework
- Maintain a high-quality record of all experiments performed
- Report and present research findings and developments including status and results clearly and efficiently both internally and externally, verbally and in writing, in a fast paced environment.
About you
Essential
- A current Home Office Procedural Individual Licence (PIL A/B/C)
- Experience with stereotactic intracranial and IV injections
- Confidence in animal handling
- Ability to independently troubleshoot and implement research projects
- Strong organisational and record-keeping skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-moving start-up research environment
- Ability to work on a team-based project with experimental researchers
- Proficiency in efficient time management
- Ability to deliver work within the necessary timelines
Desirable (but not required)
- Neuroscience background and/or experience
- Experience with the use of viral vectors, such as AAV
- Experience with tissue processing for protein/RNA/DNA quantification
- Experience with Bioluminescence Imaging (BLI)
- Experience with pre-clinical disease models
- Experience with cell culture and AAV production
What benefits Navira has to offer
- A central role in a small team, where your data decides which candidates advance
- Secured multi-year programme funding, so the R&D has runway
- A competitive salary and equity options, depending on experience
- Generous Pension and private health insurance
- Lab space at the Francis Crick Institute in central London, with canteen and on-site facilities
- Cycle to work scheme and secure bike storage
All offers are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom. We are not able to sponsor visa applications for this role.
Application closes: 30 September 2026
Role Start date: Flexible, starting as soon as possible, priority for early joiners.
Contact: Karl Brune, careers@navira.bio
Statement
At Navira, we embrace and celebrate the diversity of experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, and perspectives, recognizing their power to drive extraordinary impact. We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all, regardless of sex, race, religion, beliefs, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic, or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know.
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