Karlstad University
Hinxton, Essex
About the Programme Our mission is bold: to generate data at scale to address fundamental questions about the diversity of life at the genomic level. Our world class programme merges large scale data generation with focussed analysis of pattern and process in evolution, delivering to overarching goals of conservation of biodiversity, fueling a biotechnological progress and contributing to the health of human societies. Who We're Looking For We're seeking an exceptional researcher whose ambitions depend on diverse eukaryotic genomes and large scale analysis. We anticipate recruiting in one of the following areas: Cell atlasing across biodiversity: The Biodiversity Cell Atlas is a growing initiative that aims to use the technologies pioneered by the Human Cell Atlas (and colleagues in the Cellular Genetics Programme at Sanger) to profile species across the eukaryotic tree using single cell functional genomics methods to reveal cell type orthology, discover the origins of distinct cell types and reveal the regulatory systems that generate this diversity. Phylogenomics at megascale: devising algorithms, engineering toolkits and reconstructing phylogenetic relationships of genes and species, exploiting the power of reference quality genomes. Biodiversity AI: Deploying AI to discover fundamental rules of genome organisation across diversity, including gene structure and regulatory system prediction. Direct application of biodiversity genomics data: in conservation, landscape ecology, bioengineering or any other field with clear impact on ongoing problems humanity is facing. If you are not sure whether your research objectives would fit into the Tree of Life, please do get in touch with Mark Blaxter to clarify. Location and Community The Wellcome Sanger Institute is located in the centre of the largest scientific and startup cluster in Europe and combines the scientific innovation of Cambridge with the business and cultural ambition of London. We care about the long term translation and impact of our research. We welcome applicants from clinical, industry, or non traditional career paths. We particularly encourage applications from women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. We believe our science is enriched by a diversity of perspectives and experiences. Role We intend to recruit at the Group Leader 2 (equivalent to associate professor) or Group Leader 3 (equivalent to full professor) level. These positions are designed for established scientists and offer a very substantial core package, including a competitive salary and continuous internal funding that enables the pursuit of ambitious, large scale research without the need for external grants. Faculty at the Institute are supported by outstanding scientific, technical, and operational teams, allowing them to focus on impactful research and leadership. You will have the opportunity to mentor and develop a growing team within a supportive and collegial environment where collaboration, well being, and inclusion are prioritised. Group Leader 2 (GL2) Mid career (Associate Professor). Lead a growing core funded team, shape programme strategy, and drive large scale discovery. Eight year post with review in year six leading to promotion to GL3 or departure by year 8. Group Leader 3 (GL3) Senior leadership role (Full Professor) helping to shape Sanger's long term research strategy. Ongoing appointment with six year rolling reviews. Global research leaders are encouraged to apply. Why Join Us? Substantial, Sustained Core Funding: Focus on the science that matters, not grant cycles. Launch long term, high impact research. Scale + Technology: Unmatched access to high throughput science platforms, Scientific Operations, and Informatics infrastructure. A Truly Collaborative Culture: Work side by side with leading genomics experts in an environment built for cooperation, discovery and translational impact. A Supportive, Inclusive, and Flexible Workplace: Relocation and visa support, mentorship, flexible working, family friendly policies, and a campus dedicated to well being and scientific excellence. A Global Science Hub: Benefit from the dynamic, international, and high impact innovation landscape of Cambridge and London. Application Process Your application should include: CV and full publication list + 3 referees. Cover letter summarising your scientific leadership and wider contributions (including diversity and inclusion initiatives, mentorship and public engagement). Research vision addressing a fundamental problem (3 pages + 250 word abstract) demonstrating: Fit with our programme (direction, ambition and scale, explaining why Sanger is the right environment). >What you'll do at Sanger that can't be done elsewhere. Interview Process We believe recruitment should be supportive and transparent. You'll meet with teams across science, strategy, and operations to explore Sanger's full potential. Our process includes: Scientific Talks (on past and future research). Panel interview based on leadership, collaboration, and core behavioural competencies. Stakeholder 1:1 meetings with Group Leaders and Programme leads. We understand balancing career opportunities with personal commitments can be challenging, and our process is designed to be flexible and supportive. Ready to Redefine What's Possible in Biology? Join us at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and be part of a transformative, AI powered future for life sciences. Help build the next era of synthetic genomics in an environment where your science, your voice, and your career are valued. Closing date: 08 February 2026 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 staff networks for LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.
About the Programme Our mission is bold: to generate data at scale to address fundamental questions about the diversity of life at the genomic level. Our world class programme merges large scale data generation with focussed analysis of pattern and process in evolution, delivering to overarching goals of conservation of biodiversity, fueling a biotechnological progress and contributing to the health of human societies. Who We're Looking For We're seeking an exceptional researcher whose ambitions depend on diverse eukaryotic genomes and large scale analysis. We anticipate recruiting in one of the following areas: Cell atlasing across biodiversity: The Biodiversity Cell Atlas is a growing initiative that aims to use the technologies pioneered by the Human Cell Atlas (and colleagues in the Cellular Genetics Programme at Sanger) to profile species across the eukaryotic tree using single cell functional genomics methods to reveal cell type orthology, discover the origins of distinct cell types and reveal the regulatory systems that generate this diversity. Phylogenomics at megascale: devising algorithms, engineering toolkits and reconstructing phylogenetic relationships of genes and species, exploiting the power of reference quality genomes. Biodiversity AI: Deploying AI to discover fundamental rules of genome organisation across diversity, including gene structure and regulatory system prediction. Direct application of biodiversity genomics data: in conservation, landscape ecology, bioengineering or any other field with clear impact on ongoing problems humanity is facing. If you are not sure whether your research objectives would fit into the Tree of Life, please do get in touch with Mark Blaxter to clarify. Location and Community The Wellcome Sanger Institute is located in the centre of the largest scientific and startup cluster in Europe and combines the scientific innovation of Cambridge with the business and cultural ambition of London. We care about the long term translation and impact of our research. We welcome applicants from clinical, industry, or non traditional career paths. We particularly encourage applications from women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. We believe our science is enriched by a diversity of perspectives and experiences. Role We intend to recruit at the Group Leader 2 (equivalent to associate professor) or Group Leader 3 (equivalent to full professor) level. These positions are designed for established scientists and offer a very substantial core package, including a competitive salary and continuous internal funding that enables the pursuit of ambitious, large scale research without the need for external grants. Faculty at the Institute are supported by outstanding scientific, technical, and operational teams, allowing them to focus on impactful research and leadership. You will have the opportunity to mentor and develop a growing team within a supportive and collegial environment where collaboration, well being, and inclusion are prioritised. Group Leader 2 (GL2) Mid career (Associate Professor). Lead a growing core funded team, shape programme strategy, and drive large scale discovery. Eight year post with review in year six leading to promotion to GL3 or departure by year 8. Group Leader 3 (GL3) Senior leadership role (Full Professor) helping to shape Sanger's long term research strategy. Ongoing appointment with six year rolling reviews. Global research leaders are encouraged to apply. Why Join Us? Substantial, Sustained Core Funding: Focus on the science that matters, not grant cycles. Launch long term, high impact research. Scale + Technology: Unmatched access to high throughput science platforms, Scientific Operations, and Informatics infrastructure. A Truly Collaborative Culture: Work side by side with leading genomics experts in an environment built for cooperation, discovery and translational impact. A Supportive, Inclusive, and Flexible Workplace: Relocation and visa support, mentorship, flexible working, family friendly policies, and a campus dedicated to well being and scientific excellence. A Global Science Hub: Benefit from the dynamic, international, and high impact innovation landscape of Cambridge and London. Application Process Your application should include: CV and full publication list + 3 referees. Cover letter summarising your scientific leadership and wider contributions (including diversity and inclusion initiatives, mentorship and public engagement). Research vision addressing a fundamental problem (3 pages + 250 word abstract) demonstrating: Fit with our programme (direction, ambition and scale, explaining why Sanger is the right environment). >What you'll do at Sanger that can't be done elsewhere. Interview Process We believe recruitment should be supportive and transparent. You'll meet with teams across science, strategy, and operations to explore Sanger's full potential. Our process includes: Scientific Talks (on past and future research). Panel interview based on leadership, collaboration, and core behavioural competencies. Stakeholder 1:1 meetings with Group Leaders and Programme leads. We understand balancing career opportunities with personal commitments can be challenging, and our process is designed to be flexible and supportive. Ready to Redefine What's Possible in Biology? Join us at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and be part of a transformative, AI powered future for life sciences. Help build the next era of synthetic genomics in an environment where your science, your voice, and your career are valued. Closing date: 08 February 2026 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 staff networks for LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.
Karlstad University
Hinxton, Essex
Postdoctoral Fellow- Computational Biology and Machine Learning 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 hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow/Senior Postdoctoral Fellow to join our interdisciplinary team at the forefront of computational biology and AI for a 3 year fixed term contract. You will contribute to (lead - Senior Postdoctoral Fellow) transformative projects that integrate single cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, and generative AI to build next generation models for understanding tissue biology and cellular dynamics across organs such as the pancreas, kidney, skin, and liver. We welcome applicants from diverse technical and scientific backgrounds - from those interested in fundamental questions in biology and medicine, to those focused on ML/AI method development. We are particularly excited to work with individuals who are passionate about biology, foundation model development, modelling cellular perturbation responses, predicting patient behaviours, and analysing multi modal biological data. Available Research Focus Areas 1. Spatial & Multi omics Atlas Construction Build large scale spatial and single cell atlases across diseased tissues (pancreas, kidney, skin, liver) using spatial transcriptomics, scRNA seq, and multiome data in collaboration with leading Sanger groups. 2. Generative AI for Cell Fate & Perturbations Develop diffusion, flow matching, and transformer based generative models to predict cell fate, tissue remodelling, and drug or perturbation responses in silico. 3. Foundational Models for Single Cell Biology Train large, generalisable deep models across public and internal datasets to support the Human Cell Atlas and broad Sanger research programmes. 4. Open Targets Translational AI Projects Apply foundational and multi omics models to real world challenges in drug discovery, target identification, and target safety in collaboration with major pharma partners. 5. Agentic AI for Scientific Reasoning & Experiment Design (new) Develop AI agents capable of hypothesis generation, experiment planning, and multi step scientific workflows using reinforcement learning and tool use models. 6. Core Machine Learning Research Advance fundamental ML methods-including advanced generative modelling, scalable training algorithms, representation learning, and uncertainty modelling-tailored for biological data. 7. Multimodal Learning (Imaging + Genomics + Clinical Data) Create models that integrate histopathology imaging, spatial proteomics, single cell genomics, and patient level clinical data to learn unified biological and clinical representations. 8. Leap Project We are interested in developing large scale AI models to stratify patients using diverse multi omics data, with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, particularly in women's health. The Open Targets (OT) research programme generates and analyses data to connect targets to diseases, assess the strength of this evidence, and help identify and prioritise targets for drug discovery. This includes evidence that causally links targets and diseases, as well as foundational data that helps us understand biological processes and disease progression more deeply. About Us You will join the Lotfollahi Group, an interdisciplinary team of ML researchers, computational biologists, clinicians and experimentalists. Our mission is to develop data driven and biologically grounded AI tools for decoding complex cellular systems. We collaborate closely with the Human Cell Atlas, Sanger's single cell programmes, and international leaders in the field. Key Publications and References Akbar Nejat et al., Mapping and reprogramming human tissue microenvironments with MintFlow (bioRxiv, 2025) Birk et al., Quantitative characterization of cell niches in spatially resolved omics data, Nature Genetics (2025) Jeong et al., SIGMMA: Hierarchical Graph Based Multi Scale Multi modal Contrastive Alignment of Histopathology Image and Spatial Transcriptome (arXiv, 2025) Sanian et al., 3D Guided Scalable Flow Matching for Generating Volumetric Tissue Spatial Transcriptomics from Serial Histology (arXiv, 2025) What We Offer Access to unique in house datasets and world class computational infrastructure Opportunities to co lead publications and present at ML and genomics conferences Collaborative and inclusive environment with strong mentorship culture We are looking for enthusiastic researchers with a strong computational or quantitative background. Qualifications PhD in a relevant subject area, or on track to be awarded your PhD within 6 months of starting the role Proven ability to deliver research projects A track record of demonstrating research excellence and expertise in your area of research Experience in advanced statistical techniques, machine learning and modern deep learning techniques Experience with single cell omics, spatial transcriptomics, or large scale biological data integration Knowledge of Python, including core data science libraries such as Scikit Learn, SciPy, TensorFlow and PyTorch Knowledge of software development good practices and collaboration tools, including git based version control, python package management and code Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of persons of differing level, abilities and knowledge Foster an inclusive culture where all can thrive and diversity is celebrated 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 prioritise, multi task and work independently Detail oriented, strong organisational and problem solving skills Additional Skills for Senior Postdoctoral Fellow Strong knowledge of Python, including core data science libraries such as Scikit Learn, SciPy, TensorFlow and PyTorch Proven experience using advanced statistical techniques, machine learning and modern deep learning techniques Proven ability to work independently and deliver research projects Relevant solid publication record in either machine learning or application of machine learning in biology Strong influencing skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders Critical and analytic thinking around problems Demonstrable good time management and project management skills Application Process Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your research experience, interest in the focus area(s), and future aspirations. Closing Date 1st February 2026 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 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. 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. Every year the Wellcome Sanger Institute supports the visits of dozens of overseas researchers from across the globe to the Genome campus to collaborate, share insights and to undertake groundbreaking scientific research. Our reliable in house service provides expert advice and guidance to support current and prospective staff, and visitors at various points of their journey. We are able to provide guidance through your entire journey, from initial visa application through to extensions and applications of Indefinite Leave to Remain, the service is proud to support your personal applications and those of your dependants and family members. Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton Saffron Walden, United Kingdom
Postdoctoral Fellow- Computational Biology and Machine Learning 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 hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow/Senior Postdoctoral Fellow to join our interdisciplinary team at the forefront of computational biology and AI for a 3 year fixed term contract. You will contribute to (lead - Senior Postdoctoral Fellow) transformative projects that integrate single cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, and generative AI to build next generation models for understanding tissue biology and cellular dynamics across organs such as the pancreas, kidney, skin, and liver. We welcome applicants from diverse technical and scientific backgrounds - from those interested in fundamental questions in biology and medicine, to those focused on ML/AI method development. We are particularly excited to work with individuals who are passionate about biology, foundation model development, modelling cellular perturbation responses, predicting patient behaviours, and analysing multi modal biological data. Available Research Focus Areas 1. Spatial & Multi omics Atlas Construction Build large scale spatial and single cell atlases across diseased tissues (pancreas, kidney, skin, liver) using spatial transcriptomics, scRNA seq, and multiome data in collaboration with leading Sanger groups. 2. Generative AI for Cell Fate & Perturbations Develop diffusion, flow matching, and transformer based generative models to predict cell fate, tissue remodelling, and drug or perturbation responses in silico. 3. Foundational Models for Single Cell Biology Train large, generalisable deep models across public and internal datasets to support the Human Cell Atlas and broad Sanger research programmes. 4. Open Targets Translational AI Projects Apply foundational and multi omics models to real world challenges in drug discovery, target identification, and target safety in collaboration with major pharma partners. 5. Agentic AI for Scientific Reasoning & Experiment Design (new) Develop AI agents capable of hypothesis generation, experiment planning, and multi step scientific workflows using reinforcement learning and tool use models. 6. Core Machine Learning Research Advance fundamental ML methods-including advanced generative modelling, scalable training algorithms, representation learning, and uncertainty modelling-tailored for biological data. 7. Multimodal Learning (Imaging + Genomics + Clinical Data) Create models that integrate histopathology imaging, spatial proteomics, single cell genomics, and patient level clinical data to learn unified biological and clinical representations. 8. Leap Project We are interested in developing large scale AI models to stratify patients using diverse multi omics data, with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, particularly in women's health. The Open Targets (OT) research programme generates and analyses data to connect targets to diseases, assess the strength of this evidence, and help identify and prioritise targets for drug discovery. This includes evidence that causally links targets and diseases, as well as foundational data that helps us understand biological processes and disease progression more deeply. About Us You will join the Lotfollahi Group, an interdisciplinary team of ML researchers, computational biologists, clinicians and experimentalists. Our mission is to develop data driven and biologically grounded AI tools for decoding complex cellular systems. We collaborate closely with the Human Cell Atlas, Sanger's single cell programmes, and international leaders in the field. Key Publications and References Akbar Nejat et al., Mapping and reprogramming human tissue microenvironments with MintFlow (bioRxiv, 2025) Birk et al., Quantitative characterization of cell niches in spatially resolved omics data, Nature Genetics (2025) Jeong et al., SIGMMA: Hierarchical Graph Based Multi Scale Multi modal Contrastive Alignment of Histopathology Image and Spatial Transcriptome (arXiv, 2025) Sanian et al., 3D Guided Scalable Flow Matching for Generating Volumetric Tissue Spatial Transcriptomics from Serial Histology (arXiv, 2025) What We Offer Access to unique in house datasets and world class computational infrastructure Opportunities to co lead publications and present at ML and genomics conferences Collaborative and inclusive environment with strong mentorship culture We are looking for enthusiastic researchers with a strong computational or quantitative background. Qualifications PhD in a relevant subject area, or on track to be awarded your PhD within 6 months of starting the role Proven ability to deliver research projects A track record of demonstrating research excellence and expertise in your area of research Experience in advanced statistical techniques, machine learning and modern deep learning techniques Experience with single cell omics, spatial transcriptomics, or large scale biological data integration Knowledge of Python, including core data science libraries such as Scikit Learn, SciPy, TensorFlow and PyTorch Knowledge of software development good practices and collaboration tools, including git based version control, python package management and code Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of persons of differing level, abilities and knowledge Foster an inclusive culture where all can thrive and diversity is celebrated 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 prioritise, multi task and work independently Detail oriented, strong organisational and problem solving skills Additional Skills for Senior Postdoctoral Fellow Strong knowledge of Python, including core data science libraries such as Scikit Learn, SciPy, TensorFlow and PyTorch Proven experience using advanced statistical techniques, machine learning and modern deep learning techniques Proven ability to work independently and deliver research projects Relevant solid publication record in either machine learning or application of machine learning in biology Strong influencing skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders Critical and analytic thinking around problems Demonstrable good time management and project management skills Application Process Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your research experience, interest in the focus area(s), and future aspirations. Closing Date 1st February 2026 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 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. 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. Every year the Wellcome Sanger Institute supports the visits of dozens of overseas researchers from across the globe to the Genome campus to collaborate, share insights and to undertake groundbreaking scientific research. Our reliable in house service provides expert advice and guidance to support current and prospective staff, and visitors at various points of their journey. We are able to provide guidance through your entire journey, from initial visa application through to extensions and applications of Indefinite Leave to Remain, the service is proud to support your personal applications and those of your dependants and family members. Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton Saffron Walden, United Kingdom