Senior Staff Scientist - The Taipale lab

Wellcome Sanger Institute; Saffron Walden; Hybrid; GBP 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is seeking a Senior Staff Scientist in the Taipale lab to lead high-throughput screening projects aimed at identifying druggable targets for cancer treatment. This role offers autonomy in research, collaboration opportunities, and the chance to influence next-generation therapeutics with a focus on translational impact.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to work independently and deliver high-impact research.
• Extensive knowledge in molecular and cellular techniques.
• Experience with high-throughput small molecule screens.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver a novel research project aligned with the lab’s aims.
• Execute high-throughput small molecule screens and analyses.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to their technical training.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cellular biology

Quantitative skills

Collaboration

Education

PhD in relevant subject area

Job description

Senior Staff Scientist - The Taipale lab

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.

This CRUK-funded position offers the exciting opportunity to lead high-throughput small molecule screening projects using diverse cancer cell models. The goal is to uncover shared druggable targets across various cancer types to inform future therapeutic strategies.

This role would particularly suit candidates with experience in, or transitioning from, the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors, offering the chance to apply your expertise in a world-class research environment where discovery science meets translational impact. The scalability of the platform and direct relevance to drug target identification and validation make this an ideal role for those looking to influence next-generation therapeutics from the early discovery phase.

Working with a high level of autonomy, you will spearhead a specific and original research project aligned with the broader programme of the lab, while also demonstrating your own growing research independence. The post will involve significant collaborative engagement, scientific leadership, and contributions to both technical and professional training of junior team members.

You will be responsible for:

• Designing and delivering a novel research project within the lab’s strategic aims.
• Executing high-throughput small molecule screens and associated analyses.
• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships internally and externally.
• Fostering an open and inclusive research environment, offering mentorship and training.
• Disseminating research outputs through publications, conferences, and other channels.
• Seeking fellowships, grants, and opportunities to expand your professional network.
• Contributing to the lab’s operations, including resource management and lab maintenance.
• Embedding public engagement within your research practices and outputs.

About You:

You are an innovative and self-motivated scientist with a strong background in molecular and cellular biology and a passion for translational cancer research. You’ll have demonstrated your ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver high-impact research. Your communication and interpersonal skills will allow you to effectively mentor others and collaborate across disciplines.

Essential Technical Skills:

• PhD in relevant subject area or equivalent relevant experience
• Completion of previous Postdoc role, or other highlight relevant training/professional experience
• Possession of sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to immediately drive the research project and associated methodologies
• Proven ability to work independently and deliver research projects
• A strong track record including publications, demonstrating research excellence and expertise in your area of research
• Extensive knowledge, skills and experience as appropriate to the research area
• Ability to analyse and interpret data with strong quantitative/computational skills
• Experience with small molecular inhibitor screens in a high-throughput manner
• Previous work experience in a molecular biology
• Experience with core molecular biology techniques including RT-qPCR and RNA/DNA extraction
• Experience with core cellular biology techniques including in vitro cell culture, primary cell culture, transfection and transduction and microscopy

Essential Competencies and Behaviours:

• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with wide range of persons of differing levels, abilities and knowledge.
• Strong influencing skills to engage internal and external stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds
• Foster an inclusive culture where all can thrive and diversity is celebrated
• Motivation and ambition to make a personal contribution to Sanger Institute research
• Team player with the ability to work with others in a collegiate and collaborative environment
• Demonstrated mentorship, supervision and leadership abilities
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and results and present orally including, track record of presentations and conference presentations
• 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

About Us:

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leader in genomics research, dedicated to understanding the role of genetics in health and disease. The Taipale Lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation and cancer biology, leveraging large-scale screening technologies to identify therapeutic opportunities. We are committed to nurturing a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative research environment, where all team members can thrive and contribute meaningfully to scientific discovery.

Other Information:

For informal queries, please contact Dr Connor Rogerson [e-mail] (Senior Staff Scientist)

Application Process:

Please apply with your CV and a cover letter explaining your motivation for applying and how your skills and experience meet the above essential criteria.

Salary per annum: £53,717 to £63,500 dependent upon skills and experience

Recruitment Process: Shortlisting w/c 30th June, Zooms Interviews w/c 7th July, Face to face interviews Thursday 24th July

Contract Type: Permanent (This role is permanent, with funding in place for the first 3 years. Extension beyond this period is subject to performance and ongoing funding.)

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. TheTechnician 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 ground-breaking 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.

Senior Staff Scientist - The Taipale lab

2025-06-10

2025-06-29 23:59 (Europe/London)
2025-06-30 00:59 (CET)

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