At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead histological and spatial transcriptomics lab work to improve human health.
- Company: Join a pioneering team at the Vento group, focused on life-changing science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and access to world-leading facilities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and collaboration in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on human development and disease research.
- Qualifications: PhD in Biology or related field, with expertise in histology and image analysis.
The predicted salary is between 45788 - 54397 £ per year.
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.
The Vento group is seeking a highly motivated staff scientist to lead histological and spatial transcriptomics wet lab work on a fixed-term basis. You will lead sample preparation and processing for the group's histology and spatial transcriptomics pipelines, and will have the opportunity to be embedded in a group studying human development using some of the rarest and most valuable tissue available for this kind of work, with access to world-leading experimental and image-analysis facilities at the Institute.
About the team:
The Vento group studies human development and disease at single-cell and spatial resolution, working with rare, irreplaceable human tissue and in vitro systems to build detailed maps of how organs and immune systems form and function. Histology and spatial transcriptomics sit at the centre of that work, turning tissue sections into data that shapes the group's biological questions.
You'll work alongside the Group Leader, the Senior Staff Scientist, research assistants, and the wider Vento group, as well as Sanger's operations teams and Cellular Genetics' support teams and external collaborators across the Faculty.
What you'll be doing:
- You will lead the daily laboratory work of sample preparation and processing for histology and spatial transcriptomic pipelines, coordinating closely with the Vento team and providing histological expertise across Institute-wide projects.
- You will provide image analysis using advanced analysis tools and software, and will help set project targets and oversee experimental and image analysis work.
- You will train team members in sample processing methods — including fixation, embedding, and sectioning — and will help review and optimise SOPs and risk assessments.
- You will contribute to the supervision and scientific direction of PhD students and postdocs on topics relating to histology, pathology, and image analysis, and will contribute to the publication of data in relevant scientific journals.
About you:
You are experienced in histology and histopathology, and comfortable working with image analysis tools and advanced software. You are able to design and troubleshoot experiments, work independently, and lead others through periods of change. You have delivered training before, and can translate biomedical questions into workable analysis or experimental plans. You are comfortable balancing routine lab work with more exploratory research, and can maintain a high standard of record keeping under pressure.
Essential Skills:
- PhD in Biology, Biomedical, or an interdisciplinary field (e.g. Clinical Research, Biotechnology)
- Expertise in histology and histopathology
- Expertise in image analysis tools and approaches
- Experience in delivering training
- Experience of leading projects, including a proven track record (publications and meetings) in the field of expertise
- Ability to test, implement, and troubleshoot new analysis approaches
- Excellent communication skills
- Proven ability to work effectively within a team
- Self-motivated, able to be independent and organised
- Good attention to detail and record keeping for sample and experimental tracking
- An ability to lead and inspire others to achieve scientific projects
- Demonstrates inclusivity and respect for all
Other Information:
Contract type: Fixed term (6 months)
Salary per annum (dependent upon skills and experience): £45,788-£54,397
Application Process: Please apply with your CV and a Cover Letter outlining how you meet the criteria set out above and in the role profile.
Closing Date: 14th October 2026
Staff Scientist- Maternity Cover employer: Sanger
Open Targets is an exceptional employer located in Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, offering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises the sharing of life-changing scientific data. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that fosters professional growth through multidisciplinary teamwork with leading pharmaceutical partners and access to cutting-edge research projects. With a commitment to improving human health, Open Targets provides unique opportunities for meaningful contributions to groundbreaking science while ensuring a strong focus on data quality and governance.
