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Through our inspiring Campus environment, everything Postdocs need to reach their potential is just a short walk away.

Postdoc Programme Essentials

#SangerPostdocs are valued employees at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. They can access all of the employee benefits, core training and activities available to Institute staff. Visit Life at Sanger for more information.

In addition, the Postdoc Programme offers bespoke support and opportunities built upon five key foundations:

1. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Inclusive and Supportive Community: EDI is at the core of our program. More than 70% of our Postdocs are from outside of the UK and approximately 1/3 of our community have caring responsibilities. We foster a warm and welcoming environment and we continually design, and adapt, our activities to meet the diverse needs of our community.

Read more:

• Janet Thornton Fellowships – for researchers returning after a career break

• Sanger Excellence Fellowships – for researchers underrepresented in academia in the UK

• Family and Carer Friendly Working

2. Recognition

• A Dedicated Postdoc Committee: Postdoc Representatives, Faculty, and other Staff, meet frequently to address Postdocs’ evolving needs and shape program activities.

• Advocacy and Support: An Academic Programmes Team tirelessly advocates for #SangerPostdocs, ensuring their unique needs are met. The Team also offers impartial pastoral support and mental health first aid.

• Generous pay review structure: Recognising broad contributions gives #SangerPostdocs the opportunity to progress up to 3 increments up the Postdoc pay scale each year.

• Celebrating Achievements: We #LovePostdocs! We celebrate National Postdoc Appreciation Week (#NPAW) annually and support #SangerPostdocs in seeking awards and accolades that highlight their diverse contributions.

3. Community & Networking

A supportive peer community helps #SangerPostdocs develop effective communication skills for influential conversations with scientists, funders, and potential employers. Postdocs are also encouraged to prioritise wellbeing – our networking events are about having fun together as well as developing professional skills!

• Annual Postdoc Retreat: A hugely popular flagship event for networking and professional growth

• Monthly Socials: From breakfasts, to evening drinks and pizza, our varied ‘Drinks & Nibbles’ events ensure everyone can participate

• Exclusive Merch: New Postdocs receive unique programme merchandise, making them instantly recognisable across Campus

• Lifelong Community: Our Early Career Researcher Alumni network keeps Postdocs connected long after their appointment. See our ‘Alumni Insights‘ series below.

Alumni Insights

Our people go on to do incredible things.

This series highlights inspiring journeys of former Sanger researchers – scientists who began their careers with us and went on to shape fields like global health, biotech innovation, synthetic biology, cancer research, and scientific leadership. Through a series of striking visuals and personal stories, discover how their time at Sanger helped shape their paths and how their work continues to make a difference around the world:

• From CRISPR breakthroughs to international policy From cutting-edge lab research to global impact From postdoc to leadership

Explore the graphics below to discover each alumni story and stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the impact of Sanger alumni across science and beyond.

4. Training & Careers

Flexible training and career support allow #SangerPostdocs to customise their academic journey, inspiring them to uncover their unique leadership approach. Highlights include:

• Leadership Training: The EMBO Lab Leadership Course for Postdocs is offered on-site annually

• Funding Opportunities: The Sanger Accelerator Awards provide funding for pilot projects to gain experience in applying for independent funding and, for the successful applicants, directly managing projects and budgets. Postdocs are also encouraged and supported to apply for external Fellowships

• Pathway to Independence: This cross-institutional programme prepares Postdocs for fellowships, group leader roles, and independent positions

• Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Many Campus and Cambridge-based initiatives empowers Postdocs to think like an entrepreneur, and Postdocs can apply to Sanger’s Translation Committee Fund

Read more:

• Sanger Accelerator Awards for Postdocs

• 2024 winners – Sanger Accelerator Awards for Postdocs

• 2023 winner – Sanger Accelerator Awards for Postdocs

• Sequencing anything, anytime, anywhere

5. University of Cambridge partnership

As a University Partner Institute of the University of Cambridge, #SangerPostdocs enjoy additional benefits:

• Careers Service – Full access to the University of Cambridge Postdoc Careers Service

• Additional Training – Opportunities through the Postdoc Academy

• Social Activities – Events organized by the Postdocs of Cambridge Society

• College Affiliations – Opportunities to attach to University of Cambridge colleges

Postdoc Recruitment Processes

Discover more about our recruitment routes and ongoing opportunities by visiting our Postdoc Programme Recruitment page.

Become a #SangerPostdoc

Interested in joining us as a Postdoc? Apply now! An exhilarating and comprehensive Postdoc experience awaits! ...more

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