Postdoctoral Fellow​/Senior PDF - Biodiversity Cell Atlas

Position: Postdoctoral Fellow/ Senior PDF - Biodiversity Cell Atlas

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:

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:

Your background and previous research experience

Your relevant skills and how they align with the role

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…