Overview
Our research integrates advanced genomics technologies to identify candidate genes and cell types that may enable the development of new treatments. In this role, the Postdoctoral Researcher will lead experimental work in a translational project focused on testing non-hormonal therapeutic targets for endometriosis, using organoids and gene-editing technologies.
What you'’ll be doing
You will be responsible for a project aimed at developing screening platforms for detection and validation of potential therapeutic targets in organoids and co-cultures of the reproductive system. The project involves using established CRISPR/Cas9 technology and small molecule screenings on these cells, employing single-cell genomics and functional analyses as key read-outs.
Key publications
* Marečková, Magda, Luz Garcia-Alonso, Marie Moullet, Valentina Lorenzi, Robert Petryszak, Carmen Sancho-Serra, Agnes Oszlanczi, et al. 2024. "An Integrated Single-Cell Reference Atlas of the Human Endometrium." Nature Genetics 56 (9): 1925-37.
* Garcia-Alonso, Luz, Louis-François Handfield, Kenny Roberts, Konstantina Nikolakopoulou, Ridma C. Fernando, Lucy Gardner, Benjamin Woodhams, et al. 2021. "Mapping the Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of the Human Endometrium in Vivo and in Vitro." Nature Genetics 53 (12): 1698-1711.
* Arutyunyan A, Roberts K, Troulé K, Wong FCK, Sheridan MA, Kats I, Garcia-Alonso L, Velten B, Hoo R, Ruiz-Morales ER, Sancho-Serra C, Shilts J, Handfield LF, Marconato L, Tuck E, Gardner L, Mazzeo CI, Li Q, Kelava I, Wright GJ, Prigmore E, Teichmann SA, Bayraktar OA, Moffett A, Stegle O, Turco MY, Vento-Tormo R. "Spatial multiomics map of trophoblast development in early pregnancy." Nature. 2023 Apr;616(7955):143-151.
* Garcia-Alonso L, Lorenzi V, Mazzeo CI, Alves-Lopes JP, Roberts K, Sancho-Serra C, Engelbert J, Marečková M, Gruhn WH, Botting RA, Li T, Crespo B, van Dongen S, Kiselev VY, Prigmore E, Herbert M, Moffett A, Chédotal A, Bayraktar OA, Surani A, Haniffa M, Vento-Tormo R. "Single-cell roadmap of human gonadal development." Nature. 2022 Jul;607(7919):540-547.
Qualifications and experience
* Reproductive health focus with experience in cellular and molecular biology.
* Cell and molecular biology; cell culture, including organoids, especially on a high throughput scale.
* Gene editing technology; PhD in biological sciences (cell biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, reproductive biology), or on track to be awarded your PhD within 6 months of starting the role.
* A track record of demonstrating research excellence and expertise in your area of research with a publication record and ability to deliver research projects.
* Knowledge of cell and molecular biology, cell culture (including organoids) and interpreting transcriptomic data.
* Ability to analyse and interpret data with strong quantitative/computational skills.
* Experience with core molecular biology techniques, including sample preparation, RT, qPCR and RNA/DNA extraction.
* Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of people with differing levels of ability and knowledge.
* Foster an inclusive culture where all can thrive and diversity is celebrated.
* 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-oriented, strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to test, implement and troubleshoot new techniques and protocols.
* Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Context
Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disorder affecting around 10% of women and people with a uterus of reproductive age. It occurs when uterine-like cells grow outside the uterus, leading to chronic, often debilitating pain and, in some cases, infertility. Current treatments rely on hormone-based therapies that manage symptoms rather than provide a cure. These treatments often have significant side effects and are not effective for all patients.
Working at Wellcome Sanger
Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger: We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working, including improved work-life balance, with more focused time, and 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 supportive staff networks, including LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity networks to support development opportunities and raise awareness. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture at Sanger Institute where everyone can thrive.
Benefits
We offer campus-wide employee wellbeing programmes and support for good health and reducing work-related stress. The Technician Commitment initiative recognises the importance of technicians working in higher education and research across disciplines.
Permanent Full time
Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow to join Roser Vento-Tormo's lab in our Cellular Genomics Programme for a fixed term until 31 July 2028.
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