Dr Samantha Jumbe

Sanger Excellence Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr Samantha Jumbe is a Sanger Excellence Postdoctoral Fellow in the Somatic Genomics programme. Her research focuses on somatic mutations in inflammatory disease through genomics and ultra-sensitive sequencing approaches to identify disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

Dr Samantha Jumbe is a Sanger Excellence Postdoctoral Fellow in the Somatic Genomics programme at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, where she leads independent research that focuses on understanding the role of somatic mutations in inflammatory disease. Using ultra-sensitive sequencing approaches, including laser capture microdissection and Nanoseq, she investigates how low-frequency somatic mutations contribute to tissue damage, disease progression and immune dysfunction.

Her work combines experimental and computational approaches to identify biologically relevant mutations and explore their potential as therapeutic targets. She is particularly interested in how advances in somatic genomics can be translated into clinically meaningful insights for patients with chronic inflammatory disease.

Before joining the Sanger Institute, Samantha trained as a Clinical Scientist in genomics within the NHS, specialising in cancer genomics. During this time, she developed expertise in somatic variant interpretation and the clinical implementation of genomic technologies for cancer diagnosis and patient management. This clinical experience continues to shape her translational approach to research.

Samantha completed her PhD in Biomedical Science at the University of the West of England, Bristol, where she investigated the function and regulation of alternative splicing of the ERG oncogene in cancer. Her doctoral work contributed to understanding how alternative splicing drives oncogenic activity and reinforced her interest in translating molecular discoveries into therapeutic strategies.

Alongside her current research, she is developing a future research programme focused on somatic genomics and precision medicine in African populations. Her long-term goal is to build collaborative research initiatives that address the underrepresentation of African populations in genomics research and improve equitable access to genomic medicine.

My timeline

• Awarded Sanger Excellence Postdoctoral Fellowship at Wellcome Sanger Institute

• PhD in Biomedical Science, University of the West of England, Bristol