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 to focus on targeting tumour plasticity through functional genomics in Mathew Garnett's group in our CASM Programme for a 3 year fixed term contract.
About the Team:
Lineage plasticity is a key hallmark of cancer, enabling tumours to evolve and resist therapy. This project will use cutting-edge functional genomics and single cell approaches to uncover epigenetic mechanisms driving plasticity and disease progression in bladder and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Using tumour-derived organoid models, the goal is to identify and validate therapeutic strategies capable of reversing or blocking these adaptive processes.
The postdoc will be based in the laboratory of Dr. Mathew Garnett, who has expertise performing systematic perturbation screens and has led the creation of large-scale functional genomics datasets and development of tumour organoid biobanks.
This position forms part of the Mark Foundation Center for Lineage Plasticity funded by the Mark Foundation and Torrey Coast Foundation, and includes collaborators from Columbia University, the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub New York, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and NYU Langone Health.
What you'll be doing:
You will apply CRISPR-based functional genomics and single-cell sequencing to systematically dissect tumour cell plasticity. The role involves establishing organoid culture systems, performing perturbation screens, and conducting mechanistic studies to define and target key regulators of plasticity. This is an exciting opportunity for you to bridge large-scale screening with deep mechanistic investigation.
About you:
You are a motivated experimental biologist with a passion for cancer research and systems-level biology. Experience with CRISPR-based perturbations and/or single-cell sequencing is highly desirable, alongside proficient molecular and cellular biology skills (e.g. cloning, viral transduction, Q-PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry). You enjoy working in collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams, show intellectual curiosity, and are eager to address new scientific challenges while expanding your expertise in functional genomics and translational cancer research.
You will be part of a vibrant, diverse postdoctoral fellow community at the Sanger Institute with access to exceptional infrastructure and resources. We provide postdocs with a wide programme of transferable skills training and excellent career development opportunities. For more information about being a Postdoctoral Fellow with us, please visit: https://youtu.be/1-vxm2nBmFA
Essential 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
* Evidence of research achievement and developing expertise in your discipline
* Knowledge of cancer biology and/or cancer therapeutics
* Ability to analyse and interpret data including quantitative/computational analysis
* Previous work experience in a molecular biology laboratory
* Experience with core molecular and cellular biology techniques, including RNA/DNA extraction, molecular cloning, lentivirus production, cell culture, Western blotting
* Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with wide range of persons of differing level, abilities and knowledge
* Contribute to an inclusive and supportive culture where everyone can thrive and diversity is valued
* 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 priortise, multi-task and work independently
* Detailed orientated, excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
Other Information:
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 and in the job description.
Closing Date: 5th November 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.