Senior Postdoctoral Fellow

Karlstad University; Hinxton; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK seeks a Senior Computational Postdoctoral Fellow to lead analysis for Project JAGUAR, an ambitious initiative focused on developing comprehensive single-cell immune transcriptomic resources. The role involves mentoring analysts, overseeing large-scale genomic projects, and fostering collaboration across Latin America. Ideal candidates should have a PhD in computational biology or related field, experience in single-cell RNA-seq analysis, and a passion for equitable scientific practices. Salary ranges from £43,650 to £49,156 depending on experience. Closing date for applications is January 4, 2026.

Benefits

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Supportive work culture

Employee wellbeing programs

Qualifications

• Experience managing large-scale genomic analysis projects.
• Ability to foster an inclusive culture in research.
• Publication record in computational research.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis of single-cell datasets for Project JAGUAR.
• Mentor and coordinate analysts from Latin America.
• Drive interpretation and publication of consortium findings.
• Develop workflows for training and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Single-cell RNA-seq analysis

Python and/or R programming

Development of reproducible workflows

Population genetics knowledge

Statistical modelling

Leadership in analysis projects

Excellent communication skills

Mentoring junior analysts

Problem-solving skills

Education

PhD in computational biology or related field

Job description

We are seeking a talented and motivated Senior Computational Postdoctoral Fellow to lead the analysis for Project JAGUAR, a landmark multi‑country initiative generating one of the world’s most comprehensive single‑cell immune transcriptomic resources from diverse Latin American ancestries. This 3‑year role sits at the heart of an equitable, international consortium focused on scientific discovery, capacity building, and inclusive collaboration. You will play a key role in advancing large‑scale single‑cell analysis, shape analytical strategy, and lead a distributed and equitable analysis model involving partners across seven Latin American countries. This position offers a rare chance to work at global scale in a project that is as much about science as it is about capacity building, equity, and reshaping international collaboration. You will work closely with local teams, contribute to training and shared analytical development, and help steward a model that empowers researchers across the region to lead future genomic initiatives.

If you are excited by big data, global partnerships, and impactful questions at the heart of human diversity and immune regulation, we would love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing

• Overseeing the end‑to‑end analysis of a multimillion‑cell PBMC scRNA‑seq dataset
• Developing and optimising pipelines for QC, integration, clustering, annotation, and cell‑state modelling
• Performing genetic and ancestry‑aware analyses, including regulatory variant mapping and donor‑level modelling
• Coordinating and mentoring analysts across Latin America, ensuring coherent, high‑quality, and equitable analytical contributions
• Driving joint interpretation, reporting, and publication of consortium findings
• Developing scalable workflows and documentation to support consortium‑wide training, reproducibility, and knowledge sharing
• Contributing to strategic planning for downstream analyses, extensions, and cross‑modal integration

About Us

Project JAGUAR is a major collaborative effort between the Trynka Group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and partner institutions across seven Latin American countries. The project is a unique, first‑of‑its‑kind effort designed to close a major gap in global genomics research by creating a deeply characterised single‑cell cohort representing the rich ancestry diversity of Latin America.

We have generated millions of immune single‑cell profiles using scRNA‑seq, scATAC‑seq, CITE‑seq profiling, and enriched with genotyping, ancestry inference, and general health questionnaire metadata. Our collaborative analysis framework is co‑developed with analysts in Latin America, ensuring equitable contributions, shared ownership, and long‑term capacity building. This model is transforming how international genomics collaborations are designed and delivered. Our goal is to understand how genetic variants and ancestry shape immune function, and to provide a foundation for more equitable and globally representative human genomics.

About You

• Demonstrable experience with single‑cell RNA‑seq analysis, including QC, integration, clustering, and annotation.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R for large‑scale data analysis.
• Experience developing reproducible workflows, pipelines, and scalable data‑processing frameworks.
• Knowledge of population genetics, ancestry inference, or genetic association analyses.
• Experience working with high‑dimensional datasets and statistical modelling.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex analysis projects and coordinate work across multiple partners or teams.
• Proven ability to work independently and deliver research projects.
• Excellent communication skills with experience engaging diverse and multicultural research teams.
• Experience training, mentoring, or supporting junior analysts or collaborators.
• Interest in contributing to capacity building and equitable international science.
• PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, genomics, or a related field.
• Publication record demonstrating experience in high‑quality computational research.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of persons of differing levels, abilities and knowledge.
• Foster an inclusive culture where all can thrive and diversity is celebrated.
• Demonstrated mentorship, supervision and leadership abilities.
• Detail oriented, strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Commitment to open, inclusive, and equitable scientific practice.
• Demonstrating working proactively.
• Ability to creatively solve analytical challenges.

Salary per annum

£43,650 – £49,156 (dependent upon skills and experience)

Closing Date

4th January 2026

Application Process

Please apply with your CV and a Cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria set out above.

Interview Schedule

Interviews will be held in late January 2026.

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.