Postdoctoral Fellowship to join the Human Cell Atlas group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute

We are looking to appoint a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join the Human Cell Atlas group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

The project is led by Kerstin Meyer and will examine lung biology using single cell approaches.

The primary objective is to use single cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics and in vitro assays to map the development and function of the cell types of the lung over the life span, and to examine immune and inflammatory responses in this barrier tissue. Multi-omics approaches will be used to study gene regulatory networks relevant for cell type specification. We wish to understand the cellular landscape of the lung in development, in children and in adults, in health and in inflammatory diseases.

The primary activities will be:

1. Acquire material from tissue repositories and coordinate with collaborators to perform wet lab aspects of genomics, spatial transcriptomics and in vitro assays;
2. Perform data analysis of single cell RNA-seq data in collaboration with other team members. The postdoctoral fellow will take the research to conclusion via publication of data in the form of manuscripts and presentations at conferences.

The Human Cell Atlas team part of the Teichmann laboratory which is involved in a wide variety of projects, such as building a maps of a number of different barrier tissues (skin, lung, gut) and profiling the immune system throughout the body. The project will be focused on the lung, but we have an interest in profiling and comparing cell lineages across many organs. The candidate will have the opportunity to make important contributions to the full range of research our group is engaged in. In addition, you will be supported to develop your own research projects within the scope of the group’s interests.

Essential Skills

• PhD in immunology or lung biology
• Experience in transcriptomic analysis, including population RNA-seq and single cell RNA-seq with both plate-based and droplet-based methods
• Experience in tissue dissociation and/or cell culture systems
• Expertise with data analysis and interpretation
• Good publication track record in this area
• Ability to interact and work closely with collaborators across Europe

Ideal Skills

• Experience in organoid culture systems would be an advantage
• Excellent presentation skills
• Excellent working knowledge of the literature

Other information

Please include covering letter and CV

Closing Date 16th February 2020

About Us

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leading genomics research centre. We undertake large-scale research that forms the foundations of knowledge in biology and medicine. Our findings are used to improve health and to understand life on Earth. Find out more at www.sanger.ac.uk or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube and on our Blog.

Our campus

Set across 130 acres, just outside of Cambridge, The Sanger Institute is located on the stunning Wellcome Genome Campus. Home to some of the world's foremost institutes and organisations in genomics and computational biology, committed to delivering life-changing science with the reach, scale, and creativity to solve some of humanity's greatest challenges.

Our benefits:

There’s an attractive benefits package on offer at the Genome Wellcome Campus. We appreciate the importance of achieving work-life balance and support this with a number of family and carer-friendly policies. Plus a flexible working policy for those who may wish to amend their working pattern or arrangement.

As well as the usual benefits you would expect, we go much further:

• 25 days annual leave (extra 1 day to a maximum of 30 days for every year you work)
• Auto-enrolment into a generous Group Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, with enhanced company contribution (for more information, see our Pensions page)
• Up to 2 days annual paid volunteering leave
• Up to 10 days paid Emergency Carers Leave per year
• Family friendly environment including options for flexible and part-time working, an on-site Workplace Nursery salary Sacrifice Schemes for pre-school children and Summer holiday club
• Life Assurance Cover and a Group Income Protection Scheme (if on a contract of 12 months or more)
• Enhanced maternity leave and parental leave
• Access to substantial number of courses and training events onsite
• Private Healthcare Scheme (after 6 months service)
• Eyecare and Dental payment plans
• Concessions and discounts from our corporate perks site

Being part of the Genome Wellcome Campus you will be part of the beautiful working environment with an impressive range of benefits, services and facilities also including:

• Free bus service to and from Campus, covering various routes around Cambridge, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages
• A car-share initiative
• Free parking
• A number of on-site venues where you can meet, eat and socialise with colleagues
• A thriving Sports and Social Club which provides members with subsidised access to a gym, tennis courts, sports hall, fitness classes and a vibrant social calendar of events

Find out more about our Genome Wellcome Campus.