Postdoctoral Fellow/ Senior PDF - Microbial Genomics and Evolutionary Epidemiology

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

Job summary

A world-leading genomics research institute in the UK is seeking Postdoctoral Fellows/Senior Postdoctoral Fellows in Microbial Genomics and Evolutionary Epidemiology. The role offers a chance to lead groundbreaking research projects, focusing on integrating genomic data and applying innovative methodologies. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. and possess strong programming skills in R and Python. The positions promise a collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and contribution to high-impact publications. The role is on a three-year fixed contract.

Benefits

Access to unique in-house datasets

World-class computational infrastructure

Collaborative environment with strong mentorship

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, or related field.
• Strong coding experience in R and Python for data analysis.
• Previous experience with genetic screens and mutagenesis in bacteria.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovative research projects in microbial genomics.
• Integrate genomics data with deep learning methodologies.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of scientists.

Skills

Experience writing code in R

Experience writing code in Python

Experience analysing bacterial genomics data

Background in epidemiology

Background in microbiology

Education

Ph.D. in Computational Biology or a related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow/ Senior PDF - Microbial Genomics and Evolutionary Epidemiology

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 three Postdoctoral Fellows/Senior Postdoctoral Fellows on three-year contracts across experience levels to build a new interdisciplinary team at the forefront of microbial genomics and evolutionary epidemiology. Each will lead innovative projects across different aspects of pathogen genomics, integrating large-scale metagenomic, surveillance, immunological and experimental datasets with novel methodologies to improve our abilities to prevent and treat disease. You will join the Parasites and Microbes Programme at the Wellcome Sanger Institute .

We welcome applications from diverse technical and scientific backgrounds — from those interested in bacterial genome biology, to those focused on mathematical modelling or application of deep learning approaches. Applicants should be enthusiastic about data analysis, evolutionary biology, and genomic epidemiology. If you would like to be considered for more than one position, please submit a single application, and let us know which roles interest you in your cover letter.

Available Research Focus Areas:

1. Data Science PDF. Automating pathogen-agnostic genomic epidemiology analyses

This role will focus on integrating available sequence data with domain-specific knowledge and statistical methods to generate methods for automating inference across bacterial genomic epidemiology datasets. This position will suit individuals with a strong data science, statistics or genomics background. The most relevant publications are Lees et al , Croucher et al , and D’Aeth et al .

2. Bacterial Genomics PDF. Analysing bacterial populations and interactions

This role will focus on using genomic, metagenomic and immunological data to understand the dynamics of multi-strain bacterial populations, with the aim of using advances in our knowledge of pathogen-pathogen and host-pathogen interactions to inform improvements in vaccine design. This position will suit individuals with a strong bioinformatic, computational biology, or statistical background. The most relevant publications are Tonkin-Hill et al , Colijn et al and Croucher et al .

3. Evolutionary Modelling PDF. Modelling microbial population dynamics

This role will focus on mathematical modelling of genomic and metagenomic data to analyse dynamic systems, including evolving genomes, bacterial communities, and health systems. This position will suit an individual with a strong quantitative or computational background. The most relevant publications are Croucher et al , Corander et al and Harrow at el .

About You:

We are looking for enthusiastic researchers with a strong biological, computational or quantitative backgrounds, and experience in one or more of the following:

Essential Technical Skills (See role profiles below for specific required skills)

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Biology, Microbiology, Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, ML/AI, Genomics or Statistics, or a related field; or to be on track to be awarded your Ph.D. within 6 months of starting the role
• Experience of writing code in R and/or Python, including experience of developing open source for research projects
• Experience of mutagenesis and genetic screens in bacteria
• Experience of analysing bacterial genomics data
• Background in epidemiology, microbiology or evolutionary biology

Essential Competencies and Behaviours:

• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with wide range of persons of differing level, ability and knowledge
• Team player with the ability to work with others in a collegiate and collaborative environment
• Commitment to personal development and updating of knowledge and skills
• Ability to prioritise, multi-task and work independently
• Detailed orientated, strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• Foster an inclusive culture where all can thrive and diversity is celebrated

Additional Skills for Senior Postdoctoral Fellow:

• Substantial previous post-doctoral experience, and published evidence of research and/or being awarded funding in a relevant field
• Sufficient experience of the research field to immediately begin driving the programme
• Proven ability to work independently, formulate research questions, and deliver research projects
• Demonstrable good time management and project management skills

About Us:

This position is based in Parasites and Microbes at the Wellcome Sanger Institute , a world-leading research group investigating the use of computational and experimental genomic approaches to explore questions of basic science relating to the evolution and spread of bacterial pathogens in both humans and animals.

You will join an interdisciplinary team of microbiologists, bioinformaticians and modellers. Our mission is to use a genomics-driven innovation to transform our understanding of bacterial evolution to better control, prevent and treat infectious diseases. We will collaborate across programmes, and are keen to recruit individuals with a broad interest in genome biology.

What We Offer:

• Access to unique in-house datasets and world-class computational infrastructure
• Opportunities to co-lead high-impact publications and present at top ML and genomics conferences
• Collaborative and inclusive environment with strong mentorship culture

Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your research experience, interest in the focus area(s), and future aspirations, and how you meet the criteria set out above. Applications without a cover letter addressing the above will not be considered.

Salary per annum (dependent upon skills and experience)

• Senior Role Profile_Mathematical Modelling – [click here ]
• PDF Role Profile_Mathematical Modelling – [click here ]

Contract Type

3 years fixed term (Core funding)

📅 Recruitment Process

• Shortlisting: w/c 12th January
• Interviews: w/c 19th January or w/c 26th January

⏰Closing date: 11th January 2026

For more information on role-specific details, please contact: [e-mail]

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.

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.

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.

Postdoctoral Fellow/ Senior PDF - Microbial Genomics and Evolutionary Epidemiology

Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton Saffron Walden, United Kingdom

Published

2025-12-15

2026-01-11 23:59 (Europe/London)
2026-01-12 00:59 (CET)

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