Job Description

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 Opportunity:

The Cellular Genomics Programme is seeking a highly motivated staff scientist to lead wet lab work in the Lee-Six group The group is focused on studying the earliest stages of childhood cancer by investigating the conditions under which cells with particular cancer-driving mutations gain a selective advantage over their healthy neighbours. The applicant will have the opportunity to be embedded in a large community of experimental and computational scientists with access to world-leading computational and experimental facilities at the institute.

About the Team:

Henry Lee-Six is a paediatric pathology registrar. His previous work has been focused on somatic mutations in normal tissues. He is starting a new group in the Cellular Genomics Programme with the aim of understanding the interplay of somatic mutations and development in childhood cancer. A major goal of the group is to investigate the relative contribution of mutation identity, cell state, and microenvironmental context in determining whether a mutant cell progresses to form a tumour. The group pursues this line of research by studying samples of children’s tumours and normal tissues with cutting-edge spatial transcriptomic platforms coupled to different mutation-calling technologies such as laser capture microdissection and duplex sequencing. These data are used to build models of what determines a cell’s selective advantage, which are in turn queried to suggest perturbations to a cell’s state or microenvironment that might change the relative fitness of a mutant clone. These in silico predictions are then tested in vitro using iPSC and cell-line models. The group is a mixture of wet and dry lab researchers and clinicians and collaborates closely with other teams in the Cellular Genomics Programme and the wider Institute.

About the Role:

You will use CRISPR-Cas9 to generate genotypes of interest in human iPSC lines, differentiate them into cell states of interest, and characterise their behaviour using a combination of methods, including transcriptomic analysis and functional assays of proliferation and death. In due course you will design and execute more complex culture systems, including co-culture. You will work closely with computational members of the team, and will collaborate with other teams within the Institute and beyond. You will contribute to the day-to-day supervision of students.

About you:

You are experienced in genetic manipulation and cell culture, and are able to design experiments, work independently, and troubleshoot. You will ideally have experience working with CRISPR manipulation of iPSC lines. You understand key concepts in genomics and are able to work with computational members of the team to improve experimental design and analysis. You are able to contribute to the smooth running of the lab and supervise students.

Knowledge, skills and experience required:

Technical Skills:

• PhD in relevant wet-lab subject (e.g. Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology)

• Post-doctoral experience including proven track record (publications and meetings) in field of expertise

• Experience using CRISPR editing tools

• Comprehensive, up to date and in depth understanding of CRISPR-based genetic screening, stem cell culture and differentiation

• Practical experience in mammalian ES or iPS

Competencies and Behaviours:

• Ability to test, implement and troubleshoot new approaches and techniques

• 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 role details, please see role profile.

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: 2nd July 2026

Interviews will take place mid-end of July 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.

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.