Scientist/Senior Scientist - Spatial OMICs & Spatial Biology Analysis

UCB; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

UCB is seeking a Scientist or Senior Scientist to join the UK Research team in Slough, moving to Windlesham in 2027. The role blends wet-lab and computational work to advance spatial biology and spatial omics for immune memory targets.

You will design end-to-end spatial omics studies, generate data across platforms, and collaborate with histology and bioinformatics teams to translate findings into development programs.

Qualifications

• BSc, MSc, or PhD in a life-science or computational discipline.
• 2–3 years hands-on experience generating and analysing spatial omics data.
• Practical experience with spatial transcriptomics and histology-based methods.
• Strong computational skills for spatial data analysis (Python/sc-verse preferred; R valued).
• Experience with image analysis and platforms such as QuPath, Visiopharm, or OMERO.
• Familiarity with Git, version control, and scalable data workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver spatial omics experiments and analyses aligned to project objectives.
• Generate spatial transcriptomic data using platforms such as Visium HD, Xenium/CosMX, GeoMX, and complementary methods including RNAscope, IHC/IF, and H&E.
• Perform histology activities including tissue processing, sectioning, staining, antigen retrieval, and reagent optimisation.
• Analyse spatial transcriptomics and imaging data using computational and visualisation tools.
• Integrate spatial data into broader tissue-profiling pipelines to support disease understanding and decision-making.
• Communicate findings clearly through reports, visualisation platforms, and cross-functional presentations.
• Maintain high standards of documentation, compliance, and data integrity using electronic lab notebooks.
• Contribute to publications, patents, and scientific dissemination where appropriate.
• Support the evolution of UCB’s spatial biology capabilities by staying current with emerging technologies and literature.
• Mentor and support colleagues, depending on experience level.
• Ensure compliance with HTA, Health & Safety, and regulatory requirements when working with human tissue.

Skills

Spatial omics

Spatial transcriptomics

Histology methods

Python

Image analysis

QuPath

Git

Education

BSc/MSc/PhD in life sciences or computational field

Tools

Visium HD

Xenium CosMX

GeoMX

RNAscope

IHC/IF

Job description

Make your mark for patientsWe are looking for a

Slough, UK & moving to Windlesham in 2027.This role combines wet‑lab and computational work, with the opportunity to directly influence discovery and development of innovative therapies. This

Make your mark for patientsWe are looking for a Scientist or Senior Scientist who is curious, hands‑on, and impact‑driven to join our UK Research team, contributing to cutting‑edge spatial biology and spatial omics research within UCB’s Immune Memory focus area, based in Slough, UK & moving to Windlesham in 2027. This role combines wet‑lab and computational work, with the opportunity to directly influence discovery and development of innovative therapies. This

About The Role

In this role, you will work end‑to‑end on spatial omics projects, applying advanced laboratory techniques alongside computational analysis to deepen understanding of disease biology and patient heterogeneity. You will generate and analyse spatial transcriptomic data from in‑house studies, external partners, and public datasets, integrating multiple technologies to support target discovery, translational research, and clinical development. Your work will span early research through to clinical development, using in vitro, in vivo, and clinical tissue samples, and will contribute to identifying patient populations most likely to benefit from UCB’s therapeutic solutions.

Who You’ll Work With

You will work closely with histology specialists, bioinformatics colleagues, project teams, and cross‑functional stakeholders across research and development. You will also collaborate with external academic and industry partners to ensure UCB remains at the forefront of spatial biology and drug discovery.

What You’ll Do

• Design and deliver spatial omics experiments and analyses aligned to project objectives.
• Generate spatial transcriptomic data using platforms such as Visium HD, Xenium/CosMX, GeoMX, and complementary methods including RNAscope, IHC/IF, and H&E.
• Perform histology activities including tissue processing, sectioning, staining, antigen retrieval, and reagent optimisation.
• Analyse spatial transcriptomics and imaging data using computational and visualisation tools.
• Integrate spatial data into broader tissue‑profiling pipelines to support disease understanding and decision‑making.
• Communicate findings clearly through reports, visualisation platforms, and cross‑functional presentations.
• Maintain high standards of documentation, compliance, and data integrity using electronic lab notebooks.
• Contribute to publications, patents, and scientific dissemination where appropriate.
• Support the evolution of UCB’s spatial biology capabilities by staying current with emerging technologies and literature.
• Mentor and support colleagues, depending on experience level.
• Ensure compliance with HTA, Health & Safety, and regulatory requirements when working with human tissue.

Interested? For this role we’re looking for:

• BSc, MSc, or PhD in a relevant life‑science or computational discipline.
• 2–3 years’ hands‑on experience generating and analysing spatial omics data.
• Practical experience with spatial transcriptomics and histology‑based methods.
• Strong computational skills for spatial data analysis (Python/sc‑verse preferred; R also valued).
• Experience with image analysis and collaboration platforms such as QuPath, Visiopharm, or OMERO.
• Familiarity with Git, version control, and scalable data workflows.

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About Us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?

At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [e-mail]. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.