Wellcome Sanger Institute
Staff Scientist- Maternity Cover
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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.
The Vento group is seeking a highly motivated staff scientist to lead histological and spatial transcriptomics wet lab work on a fixed-term basis.
You will lead sample preparation and processing for the group's histology and spatial transcriptomics pipelines, and will have the opportunity to be embedded in a group studying human development using some of the rarest and most valuable tissue available for this kind of work, with access to world-leading experimental and image-analysis facilities at the Institute.
About the team:
The Vento group studies human development and disease at single-cell and spatial resolution, working with rare, irreplaceable human tissue and in vitro systems to build detailed maps of how organs and immune systems form and function. Histology and spatial transcriptomics sit at the centre of that work, turning tissue sections into data that shapes the group's biological questions.
You'll work alongside the Group Leader, the Senior Staff Scientist, research assistants, and the wider Vento group, as well as Sanger's operations teams and Cellular Genetics' support teams and external collaborators across the Faculty.
What you'll be doing:
You will lead the daily laboratory work of sample preparation and processing for histology and spatial transcriptomic pipelines, coordinating closely with the Vento team and providing histological expertise across Institute-wide projects. You will provide image analysis using advanced analysis tools and software, and will help set project targets and oversee experimental and image analysis work. You will train team members in sample processing methods — including fixation, embedding, and sectioning — and will help review and optimise SOPs and risk assessments. You will contribute to the supervision and scientific direction of PhD students and postdocs on topics relating to histology, pathology, and image analysis, and will contribute to the publication of data in relevant scientific journals.
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About you:
You are experienced in histology and histopathology, and comfortable working with image analysis tools and advanced software. You are able to design and troubleshoot experiments, work independently, and lead others through periods of change. You have delivered training before, and can translate biomedical questions into workable analysis or experimental plans. You are comfortable balancing routine lab work with more exploratory research, and can maintain a high standard of record keeping under pressure.
Essential Skills:
- PhD in Biology, Biomedical, or an interdisciplinary field (e.g. Clinical Research, Biotechnology)
- Expertise in histology and histopathology
- Expertise in image analysis tools and approaches
- Experience in delivering training
- Experience of leading projects, including a proven track record (publications and meetings) in the field of expertise
- Ability to test, implement, and troubleshoot new analysis approaches
- Excellent communication skills
- Proven ability to work effectively within a team
- Self-motivated, able to be independent and organised
- Good attention to detail and record keeping for sample and experimental tracking
- An ability to lead and inspire others to achieve scientific projects
- Demonstrates inclusivity and respect for all
Other Information:
For further information, please see the role profile.
Contract type:
Fixed term (6 months)
Salary per annum (dependent upon skills and experience): £45,788-£54,397
Application Process:
Please apply with your CV and a Cover Letter outlining how you meet the criteria set out above and in the role profile.
Closing Date: 14th October 2026
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.
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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, Gender Equity 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 believe people do their best work when they can be their authentic selves. 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. 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.
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