Postdoctoral Fellow Role at Sanger Institute | Apply For Microbial Genomics Fellowship

Postdoctoral Fellow Role at Sanger Institute

Advance your career with a prestigious Postdoctoral Fellow position at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. This life science Fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity for researchers to lead innovative projects in microbial genomics, evolutionary epidemiology, and computational biology. Ideal for candidates seeking a Fellowship for life science students, this role provides access to world-class datasets, collaborative mentorship, and cutting-edge genomic research.

About the Wellcome Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world-leading genomics research center based in Hinxton, Cambridgeshire. The institute investigates microbial genomics, evolutionary biology, and computational approaches to understand infectious diseases. Sanger provides a collaborative and inclusive environment, offering opportunities for career growth through Postdoctoral Fellow roles and advanced life science Fellowships.

Fellowship Details: 

• Fellowship Title: Postdoctoral Fellow / Senior Postdoctoral Fellow – Microbial Genomics and Evolutionary Epidemiology
• Location: Hinxton, Cambridgeshire
• Time Type: Full-time
• Posted On: 6 days ago
• Job Requisition ID: JR103447
• Contract: 3-year fixed term (core funding)
• Closing Date: 11th January 2026

Role Profiles:

• Senior Data Science
• Senior Genome Biology
• Senior Mathematical Modelling
• PDF Data Science
• PDF Genome Biology
• PDF Mathematical Modelling

About the Programme

These roles are part of a new research group under Dr. Nick Croucher, joining the Wellcome Sanger Institute in early 2026. The group will use computational and experimental genomics to understand bacterial evolution, improve disease control, and inform vaccine development. The team includes microbiologists, bioinformaticians, and modellers working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Postdoctoral Fellow Role Overview

Do you want to help improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future and delivering life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

We are hiring three Postdoctoral Fellows (PDFs) / Senior Postdoctoral Fellows (Senior PDFs) on three-year contracts to build a new interdisciplinary team at the forefront of microbial genomics and evolutionary epidemiology. Each fellow will lead innovative projects integrating large-scale metagenomic, surveillance, immunological, and experimental datasets with novel methodologies to improve our ability to prevent and treat disease.

These positions are part of the Parasites and Microbes Programme at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

Available Research Focus Areas

1. Data Science PDF – Automating pathogen-agnostic genomic epidemiology analyses

   • Focus: Integrate sequence data with statistical methods to automate inference across bacterial genomic epidemiology datasets.
   • Ideal Candidate: Strong background in data science, statistics, or genomics.
   • Key References: Lees et al., Croucher et al., D’Aeth et al.

2. Bacterial Genomics PDF – Analysing bacterial populations and interactions

   • Focus: Use genomic, metagenomic, and immunological data to understand multi-strain bacterial population dynamics and host-pathogen interactions to inform vaccine design.
   • Ideal Candidate: Strong bioinformatics, computational biology, or statistical background.
   • Key References: Tonkin-Hill et al., Colijn et al., Croucher et al.

3. Evolutionary Modelling PDF – Modelling microbial population dynamics

   • Focus: Mathematical modelling of genomic and metagenomic data to analyse dynamic systems, including evolving genomes and bacterial communities.
   • Ideal Candidate: Strong quantitative or computational background.
   • Key References: Croucher et al., Corander et al., Harrow et al.

Applicants may express interest in multiple positions with a single application. Indicate preferences in your cover letter.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Technical Skills

• PhD (or near completion within 6 months) in Computational Biology, Biology, Microbiology, Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, ML/AI, Genomics, Statistics, or related field.
• Experience coding in R and/or Python, including developing open-source research software.
• Experience with mutagenesis and genetic screens in bacteria.
• Experience analyzing bacterial genomics data.
• Background in epidemiology, microbiology, or evolutionary biology.

Essential Competencies & Behaviours

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships across diverse teams.
• Team player in a collaborative environment.
• Commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
• Ability to prioritise, multi-task, and work independently.
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Supportive of an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity.

Additional Skills for Senior Postdoctoral Fellows

• Substantial postdoctoral experience with publications and/or research funding.
• Capability to drive research projects independently.
• Strong time and project management skills.

Benefits & Opportunities

• Access to unique in-house datasets and world-class computational infrastructure.
• Opportunities to co-lead high-impact publications and present at top ML and genomics conferences.
• Collaborative, inclusive environment with strong mentorship.
• Access to internal training, workshops, and career development through the Postdoctoral Fellow Programme.

Salary

Application Process

Submit: CV + cover letter detailing:

• Research experience
• Interest in focus area(s)
• Future aspirations
• How you meet the criteria above

Applications without a cover letter addressing these points will not be considered.

Recruitment Timeline:

• Shortlisting: w/c 12th January
• Interviews: w/c 19th or 26th January

Contact: [email protected].

Include the application link at the end:

APPLY ONLINE HERE