About the Team
You will join a collaborative and supportive team working at the forefront of cancer genomics research. This ambitious and exciting research project funded by Cancer Research UK that aims to use gene editing screens to understand how DNA variants impact disease progression and therapy response in cancer so we can find new ways to directly target or prevent drug resistance.
You will be part of the Coelho group, funded by Cancer Research UK. We generate large-scale datasets using high-throughput screens with cutting-edge gene editing technologies such as CRISPR base editing and prime editing in cancer cells and tumour organoids. The team also couple gene editing to single-cell transcriptomics to understand the underlying mechanisms driving cancer progression and therapy failure.
The goal is to improve our understanding of cancer variant function and impact on therapy response to improve patient outcomes.
Key papers:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39424923/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36669486/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38225637/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38587317/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37214176/
About the Role
The aim of this project is to use CRISPR-Cas9 based screening technologies, such as base editing and prime editing, to systematically investigate the function of DNA variants commonly found in lung cancer. This project will couple single-cell transcriptomics approaches to gene editing to deeply characterise cancer variant function at scale. These findings will develop our understanding of cancer progression and drug resistance mechanisms and will be used to direct new therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistant disease. You will be responsible for executing and analysing large-scale screens and single-cell sequencing experiments, presenting findings internally and externally, and writing-up high-quality publications.
About you
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow for a 3-year fixed-term. This is an exciting opportunity to use cutting-edge gene editing technologies at scale to find new ways to tackle drug resistance.
You will have completed a PhD (or will be awarded within 6 months) or postdoc in the field of cancer biology, gene editing, genetics, or single-cell sequencing approaches. This role will involve working in a laboratory using a variety of molecular biology techniques to generate high-quality data for publication, requires analytical skills, and coordination with a multidisciplinary team. You will have an interest in cancer biology, gene editing or single-cell RNA sequencing, and proven experience in using CRISPR technologies, cell culture, and molecular biology such as PCR and next-generation sequencing.
You will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a supportive and inclusive research environment. You will be part of our Postdoctoral Fellow Programme, with access to training, career development support, and networking opportunities across the Institute.
Essential Skills
- PhD in a biological science or on track to be awarded within 6 months of starting the role.
- Proven track record of scientific productivity from datasets, publications, pre-prints, reviews or resources.
- Experience in mammalian cell culture.
- Experience in performing single-cell RNA seq. and analysis of single-cell RNA seq. datasets.
- Experience in preparing libraries for next-generation sequencing.
- Experience in bioinformatics and programming languages, such as Python or R.
- Proven ability to work effectively within a team.
- Ability to work independently and organise workload.
- Demonstrable attention to detail and ability to keep good scientific records.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to regularly changing priorities and workloads.
- Ability to communicate ideas and results effectively to diverse stakeholders through discussion, talks, and publications.
- Ability to maintain supportive relationships, respecting diversity and cultural differences.
- Promote a positive, safe and efficient working environment.
- Take ownership of work, demonstrating pride, adaptability and accountability for achieving results.
- Uphold the highest ethical and scientific standards.
For further details, please see the role profile.
Application process
Please apply with your CV and a cover letter describing why you are applying for the role and outlining how you meet the application criteria.
Additional information:
Internal employees interested in applying for this role should apply through the internal Jobs Hub.
Salary per annum: (dependent upon skills and experience): £38,000-£49,156
Closing Date: 17th March 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.
