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.

Are you passionate about translational, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of high-throughput screening and deep learning to uncover therapeutic vulnerabilities?

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Technical Specialist with expertise in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), molecular biology, and, ideally, in vitro infection models.

You will join the wet lab team of the Haniffa Lab (haniffalab.com) to contribute to a collaborative project with the Lotfollahi Lab (Lotfollahi Group). Both labs are part of the Cellular Genetics Programme at the Sanger Institute (Cellular Genetics). This position is a 3-year fixed-term contract.

About the Role/You:

Your primary role will focus on optimizing protocols to introduce perturbations and evaluate their effects in a skin organoid model derived from hiPSCs.

We're looking for someone who is reliable, detail-oriented, and flexible-particularly when working with tissue cultures and organoid systems that require care and precision. You'll be a key collaborator, working closely with senior scientists and colleagues across both research and operational teams.

This role offers a hands-on laboratory focus, with opportunities to engage with computational approaches and develop bioinformatics skills as part of your ongoing professional development.

About us:

The Haniffa group is part of the Human Cell Atlas initiative, a global collaboration that aims to create a comprehensive reference map of the human body by mapping every cell. The data generated will provide a vital foundation for understanding human health and diagnosing, monitoring, and treating disease. The Organoid team of the Haniffa Lab has successfully transferred at the Sanger Institute a protocol allowing the growth of hairy skin organoids from hiPSCs (https://#removed#/articles/s#removed#1-y) to study human skin development and model inflammatory skin diseases in a dish.

The Lotfollahi lab develops state-of-the-art generative machine learning tools that can model cellular behaviours across various modalities and scales.

You will work within an interdisciplinary team of wet and computer scientists, with a shared goal of improving our understanding of the rules of life and using this to improve health for all.

Essential Skills:

• MSc (or equivalent experience) in a biological science
  
• Strong experience working within a laboratory environment
  
• Robust experience in handling cells in culture
  
• Experience in maintaining hiPSC
  
• Ability to follow instructions and protocols accurately & efficiently
  
• Strict adherence to SOPs and attention to detail when performing routine tasks
  
• Ability to test, implement, and troubleshoot new techniques and protocols.
  
• Excellent communication skills
  
• Proven ability to work effectively within a team
  
• Ability to receive and give feedback
  
• Good organisational skills and record keeping
  
• A team player who enjoys working with others in a friendly and collegiate manner
  

Other Information:

Salary per annum (dependent upon skills and experience): £40,523-£48,143

Application Process:

Please apply with your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role addressing the criteria set out above.

Closing Date: 18th May 2025

Interviews to take place on the 28th May 2025.

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 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.

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.