Postdoctoral Fellow - Biodiversity Cell Atlas

• locations
• Hinxton, Cambridgeshire

• time type
• Full time

• posted on
• Posted Today

• job requisition id
• JR103380

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) to contribute to the study of the diversity and evolution of cell type programs in Tree of Life programme. This will be a 3 year fixed term contract at Wellcome Sanger Institute.

About the Role:
We offer a computational postdoctoral position to work on the analysis and integration of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data across highly diverse animal species (e.g. Mollusca, Arthropoda, Cnidaria). The work will involve biologically interpreting, annotating, and comparing scRNA-seq atlases from diverse species using both established and customized methods; leading the efforts to benchmark different technologies for generating spatial transcriptomics data in non-traditional model organisms; and integrating single-cell and spatial datasets to connect cell type diversity with tissue- and organ-level organization across species. The successful candidate will work closely with a senior bioinformatician (in charge of processing datasets and developing pipelines) and with a single-cell transcriptomics specialist in our team (leading the experimental effort).About You:
You are expected to publish excellent research outputs, mentor junior researchers, contribute their specific expertise to other ongoing projects within the Group, Programme or Institute, as well as the broader BCA community, and receive training in research and professional skills form a variety of sources. You will be part of a vibrant, diverse PDF community at the Sanger Institute. We provide PDFs with a wide programme of transferable skills training and excellent career development opportunities. For more information about being a PDF with us, please visit: https://youtu.be/1-vxm2nBmFAEssential Technical Skills:

• PhD in relevant subject area, or on track to be awarded your PhD within 6 months of starting the role

• Proven ability to work independently and deliver research projects

• A track record of demonstrating research excellence and expertise in your area of research

• Ability to analyse and interpret data with strong quantitative/computational skills

• Programming and bioinformatics skills

• Previous experience working on single-cell data analysis

• Previous experience working on spatial transcriptomics data analysis

Essential Competencies and Behaviours:

• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with wide range of persons of differing level, abilities and knowledge

• Foster an inclusive culture where all can thrive and diversity is celebrated

• Team player with the ability to work with others in a collegiate and collaborative environment

• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and results and present orally to groups

• Commitment to personal development and updating of knowledge and skills

• Ability to priortise, multi-task and work independently

• Detailed orientated, strong organizational and problem-solving skills

About Us:
Building on the high-quality genomes generated by the Tree of Life programme, our team is actively implementing single-cell sequencing approaches to systematically generate cell type molecular atlases across organisms. This is part of the broader Biodiversity Cell Atlas initiative (BCA).

Other Information:

Application Process:

Please apply by submitting your CV and a supporting Cover letter. Your cover letter should clearly cover the following three areas:

1. Your background and previous research experience

2. Your relevant skills and how they align with the role

3. Your motivation for applying for this position

Please note: applications without a cover letter addressing all three points will not be considered.

Salary: PDF £38,000 - £49,156 Role profile

Contract Type: 3 years fixed term (Core funding)

Recruitment Process: Shortlisting w/c 5th January, Interviews w/c 12th January or w/c 19th January

Closing Date: 4th January 2026

Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger:

We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.

We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.

Our Benefits:

We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.

Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018.  The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

About Us

Life at the Sanger Institute is unique. We are tackling some of the most difficult challenges in genomic research. Our people are shaping the future by delivering life-changing science with the reach, scale, and creativity to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges. We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world.

Benefits

We offer an attractive benefits package at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. We appreciate the importance of achieving work-life balance and support this with a number of family and carer-friendly policies. Plus a flexible working policy for those who may wish to amend their working pattern or arrangement.

Visa Sponsorship

Each year, the Wellcome Sanger Institute welcomes researchers from around the world to the Genome Campus to collaborate and drive cutting-edge science. Whether you're joining as faculty, a postdoc, or a visitor, our dedicated International Team offers expert guidance and support throughout your journey, promoting the Institute’s global and collaborative ethos.