Postdoctoral Fellow/ Senior PDF - Biodiversity Cell Atlas

Karlstad University; Hinxton; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading genomics research institute is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow/Senior Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to the Biodiversity Cell Atlas initiative. Candidates will analyze single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data and mentor junior researchers. This role requires a PhD or imminent completion, with a strong background in research excellence. The position offers career development opportunities and a hybrid working model, set within a diverse community. Salary will depend on skills and experience, with a 3-year fixed-term contract at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Hinxton, UK.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Vibrant and diverse research community

Broad training programs

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant subject area, or on track to be awarded within 6 months.
• Proven ability to work independently and deliver research projects.
• Track record of excellent research outputs.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and integrate single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data.
• Interpret and compare scRNA-seq atlases across diverse species.
• Collaborate with senior researchers to develop methodologies.

Skills

Research excellence

Data analysis

Programming skills

Bioinformatics skills

Single-cell data experience

Spatial transcriptomics experience

Education

PhD in relevant subject area or nearing completion

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow/ Senior PDF - Biodiversity Cell Atlas

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 hiring Postdoctoral Fellow/Senior Postdoctoral Fellow across experience levels 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/ senior 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, and receive training in research and professional skills from 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-vxm2nBmFA

Essential 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 prioritise, multi-task and work independently
• Detail orientated, strong organisational 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).

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 per annum (dependent upon skills and experience)

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

Working Arrangement

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.

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.

Signatories

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.

International Collaboration

Every year the Wellcome Sanger Institute supports the visits of dozens of overseas researchers from across the globe to the Genome campus to collaborate, share insights and to undertake groundbreaking scientific research. Our reliable in‑house service provides expert advice and guidance to support current and prospective staff, and visitors at various points of their journey. We are able to provide guidance through your entire journey, from initial visa application through to extensions and applications of Indefinite Leave to Remain, the service is proud to support your personal applications and those of your dependants and family members.

Location

Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton Saffron Walden, United Kingdom

Publication Dates

Published 2025-12-04

2026-01-04 23:59 (Europe/London)
2026-01-05 00:59 (CET)

We are a world‑leading genomics research institute. Our work helps improve human health and understand life on Earth.