Bioinformatician​/Staff Scientist in Medical Genomics

Bioinformatician/Staff Scientist in Medical Genomics

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 seeking a highly motivated and creative bioinformatician or staff scientist to join the Martin group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute for a 1-year fixed-term contract (maternity cover). The group uses large-scale genetic and phenotypic data to investigate the genetic architecture of rare and common diseases and complex traits.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to projects using data from the following studies:

The group is also planning new multi-omic projects in reproductive genomics, fetal medicine, and neonatology. You may have the opportunity to contribute to these projects as they develop. These may involve methods development to enable the use of cell free DNA for studying fetal genetics noninvasively, and proteomic analyses of neonatal blood spots for risk stratification of serious neonatal conditions. The staff scientist may also be asked to assist with the set-up of new studies, including writing proposals and ethics applications.

• Creativity and original scientific ideas
• Enthusiasm and commitment
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate ideas and results effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to prioritise, work independently and organise own workload
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other scientists in the group and externally

Additional skills for Staff Scientist:

• Postdoctoral experience and PhD in a relevant area (genetics, genomics, bioinformatics)
• Experience analysing large-scale human genetic and/or other omic (e.g. proteomic) data
• Full working proficiency in R and/or Python/Perl and Unix/Linux
• Knowledge of the literature on genetics of rare disease and/or complex traits and/or cell free DNA and/or reproductive/fetal/neonatal medicine
• Knowledge of statistical methods appropriate for large-scale genetic research
• Experience supervising students or junior colleagues
• Strong publishing record

Additional Skills for Bioinformatician:

• Proficiency in Python or R
• Ability to learn quickly to deploy new software and build it into pipelines
• Experience analysing large-scale genetic data and/or other omics data (e.g. proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics)
• Understanding of the key principles of genetics

Salary per annum (dependent upon skills and experience):

Application Process:

Please apply with your CV and a Cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria set out above.

Interviews will be held in April 2026, and we are ideally seeking a candidate to start in May 2026. Prospective candidates are welcome to contact Hilary Martin  or Olivia Wootton  for informal queries.

Closing Date: 24 March 2026

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 and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support to 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…