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 seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) to work on the generation and analysis of nematode genome sequences, and to carry out a programme of research exploring the evolution and adaptation of nematodes. This will be a 3 year fixed term contract at Wellcome Sanger Institute.
About the Role:
Nematodes are ubiquitous, abundant and speciose. The phylum includes many parasites of human, veterinary and plant health importance. Free-living members often dominate sediments and soils, and play key roles in ecology. The model nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, is a preeminent biological model organism. We are interested in describing and exploring the patterns and processes that shape nematode genomes, and in using genomic data to interrogate the evolution of parasitism and other traits.
Using advanced sequencing toolkits, including single-specimen protocols, we plan to generate many 100's of nematode genomes-chromosomally complete wherever possible-from species in laboratory culture, from species isolated from wild or farmed hosts (animal and plant) and from single individuals identified from marine and terrestrial sediments.
You will be part of a team focussed on nematodes, and will participate in specimen acquisition and preparation for sequencing, but will have a main focus on assembling raw data into chromosomally-complete genomes and on analysing the biology of those genomes. For example, many nematode species undergo programmed DNA elimination, meaning that the genomes of somatic cells differ from that of the germline. This process is biologically fascinating but has the side effect of making genome assembly entertainingly difficult.
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 deliver research projects
* A track record of demonstrating research excellence and expertise in your area of research
* Knowledge, skills and experience as appropriate to the research area including:
o Ability to analyse and interpret data with strong quantitative/computational skills
o Programming in relevant, modern languages, including Python and R; experience with software development and good practice in coding
o Excellent communication and organisation skills; Ability to work collaboratively and inclusively with a range of stakeholders
o Experience in genome assembly, annotation and interpretation
Desirables:
* Experience in phylogenomics and evolutionary inference
* Experience with nematode genomics or molecular biology
Essential Competencies and Behavioural Skills:
* 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:
The Blaxter Group, part of the Tree of Life Programme, explores the diversity of life from protists to metazoa. We aim to connect genomic and phylogenetic diversity, and to uncover the drivers and constraints of genomic change. Our work is highly collaborative, with shared questions addressed across species groups, and we openly share the tools and platforms we develop to maximise impact.
As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment at the forefront of biodiversity genomics. The Tree of Life Programme delivers and analyses reference genomes from protists, plants, fungi, and animals, with expert wet-lab and informatics teams. You'll also benefit from an active postdoc community, with training, seminars, and opportunities to connect both professionally and socially.
This is a well-resourced setting where you'll have the chance to broaden your skills, make a real contribution, and prepare for the next stage in your career.
Find out more about being a Postdoctoral Fellow with us here: https://youtu.be/1-vxm2nBmFA
Other information:
Please apply with your CV and a Cover Letter outlining how you would meet the criteria set out above.
Salary: PDF £38,000 - £49,156 Role profile
Contract Type: 3 years fixed term (Core funding)
Recruitment Process: Zoom interviews w/c 13th October, Face to face Interviews w/c 20th / 27th Oct
Closing Date: 5th October 2025
Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger:
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.
Our Benefits:
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.