Postdoctoral Fellow

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.

About The Role

We are looking for a motivated Computational Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) to be responsible for the analysis of our large-scale long-read single-cell transcriptomic studies of inflammatory bowel disease. It is a 3-year fixed term fellowship within the Genomics of Inflammation and Immunity group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute (WSI), headed by Dr. Carl Anderson.

About Us

We are a multidisciplinary team consisting of statistical geneticists, molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, computer scientists, students, and clinicians. We generate and analyse large-scale genetic and genomic datasets to better understand the biological basis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We undertake both computational and wet lab research. This enables us to deploy a variety of approaches at scale (currently whole genome/exome sequencing, single-cell genomics, CRISPR screens and mucosal organoid derivation) to identify novel candidate drug targets and catalyse personalised medicine for IBD.

Embedded within the Human Genetics Programme at the Sanger Institute, we provide a collaborative, supportive and cutting-edge research environment. We have a strong emphasis on personal development and career progression. You will be given time and encouragement to seek personal development opportunities and begin establishing your pathway to independence. We encourage networking and provide many opportunities to showcase your research, both internally and externally. The Human Genetics Operations and Informatics teams provide comprehensive multidisciplinary support to help with everything from sample processing to data analysis pipelines, and assistance with funding applications.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will use your computational and statistical skills to lead the analysis of one of the largest long-read single-cell RNA-seq studies aimed at elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning isoform usage dysregulation in IBD.

Our recent work showed an under-appreciated role of alternative splicing in immune-mediated diseases (El Garwany et al. 2025, Nature Communications). We showed that alternative splicing significantly contributes to immune-mediated disease risk. However, Next-generation sequencing is not well-suited to study alternative splicing due to short read length. Recent technological advances in long-read transcriptomics have enabled us to investigate isoform usage at an unprecedented scale. To investigate the role of alternative splicing and isoform usage in IBD, we are generating single-cell long-read RNA-seq data from gut biopsies and blood samples ascertained from hundreds of IBD patients and non-IBD controls. Through our close collaboration with PacBio, we have already sequenced around 400 individuals, with more being generated over the next few months. You will use these data to identify expressed isoforms and genetic variants associated with dysregulated isoform usage in different cell types in IBD patients and healthy controls to establish the role of isoform dysregulation in IBD. You will also contribute to our computational pipeline to perform quality control and derive insights about the functional impacts of isoforms. You will form part of a collaborative team of experts in genetics, genomics, immunology and gastroenterology to draw causal insights into disease pathogenesis and drug response.

About You

You have a background in computational genomics applied to large-scale gene expression data, preferably single cell long-read RNA sequencing. You have both an attention to detail and an ability to place your research in the broader scientific context. You work effectively within a multidisciplinary team while also being able to work independently and manage your time effectively. You enjoy scientific writing and presenting your research. In this role you will work closely together with scientists from the Open Targets pharmaceutical partners (Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech, GSK, Pfizer, and Sanofi), making this position particularly well-suited for you if you are self‑motivated with good communication skills who is looking to make a personal contribution to genomic research at the interface of academia and the pharmaceutical industry.

• PhD in bioinformatics, genomics, statistical genetics, computational biology or a relevant field or on track to be awarded your PhD within 6 months of starting the role
• Proven ability to 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, bioinformatics and data visualisation skills in Python and/or R
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a 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
• Detailed orientated, strong organizational and problem‑solving skills

Other Information

For further details, please see the role profile.

Salary per annum (dependent upon skills and experience): £38,000‑£49,156

Application Process

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

Closing Date: 1st February 2026

Interviews will take place on 13th February 2026.

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. The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.