Data and Systems Steward

Salary for this Role:

From £43,630 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Job Title:

Reports to:

Closing Date:

Job Description:

Data and Systems Steward  

Reports to: Head of Crick Advanced Light Microscopy (CALM)

This is a full-time permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

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

The Francis Crick Institute requires state-of-the-art Scientific Computing systems and services to enable world-leading research. Crick science and technology platforms (STPs), including Light Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, Histopathology, High Content Screening, and (image-based) Flow Cytometry, produce large volumes of complex image data each year.

We are now looking for a Data and Systems Steward to join the Light Microscopy Team at the Crick as the research computing professional.

This is an exciting and varied role with two complementary strands.

The first focuses on data stewardship and research data management. You will ensure that data are managed in line with FAIR principles, maximising their value for researchers, laboratories, the wider institute, and funders. This includes the effective management of high-quality metadata, as well as the publication of data and workflows to appropriate open-access resources. A key part of the role is supporting researchers to understand and manage their data, working closely with teams across the Crick to ensure datasets are easy to find, accessible, and well annotated throughout their lifecycle.

The second strand centres on image data management, with particular responsibility for the OMERO platform. You will lead the administration and development of our OMERO+ server (a proprietary derivative of the open-source OMERO platform), designing and maintaining workflows that enhance interactivity and reuse of image data. This includes supporting the full image data lifecycle: automated import and archiving from diverse imaging modalities (such as confocal, super-resolution, hi-plex, and slide-scanner systems); microscope quality control (e.g. via OMERO-metrics); advanced visualisation of large, multi-dimensional datasets and next-generation file formats; image analysis using tools such as Nextflow and the OMERO Python API; and data publication to community resources such as the BioImage Archive.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong Linux background and experience administering and operating OMERO, or at least familiarity with the platform. Experience in data management at a project or institutional level, as well as working with image data, is highly desirable.

What you will be doing:

Some of your key responsibilities for this role will include:

• Systems Administration and Automation:
  • Administer our OMERO+ server
  • Work closely with external software vendors to manage the installation and use of image management and analysis platforms at the Crick
  • Automate tasks including data ingestion and archiving via OMERO 

• Research Data Management Training and Support
  • Train researchers in the use of OMERO
  • Train researchers in principles of research data management
  • Work closely with Library and Data Management staff to align best practice in RDM and open data throughout the Crick 

• STP Support:
  • Work with Imaging STPs, including Light Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, High Throughput Screening, Experimental Histopathology and Flow Cytometry, to facilitate moving, storing, analysing, and presenting data sets.
  • Facilitate closer integration of STP data through cross-STP projects, including OMERO and the Crick Research Data Management project

Please see the full job description here.

About you

You will have: 

• Experience in Unix/Linux systems administration and integration *
• Experience with Django and/or front-end web development *
• Scripting and automation experience using at least one high-level language, e.g. bash, Python.
• Familiarity with OMERO administration *
• Familiarity with biomedical research and imaging
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a deeply technical team.
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills.

*Minimum requirement

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: [email protected]

Find out more about life at the Crick.

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.