Head of Science & Innovation - COSMIC

• locations
• Hinxton, Cambridgeshire

• time type
• Full time

• posted on
• Posted 3 Days Ago

• job requisition id
• JR103283

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 have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Science and Innovation to help shape the future direction of one of the world’s leading cancer genomics resources. You’ll join a diverse, multidisciplinary team working at the cutting edge of data and discovery where collaboration, innovation, and inclusion is central to everything we do.

About the Role:

You will lead the development of COSMIC’s genomic knowledge resources which aggregate complex cancer genomics data into knowledge. Your role will involve driving data strategies and innovation across the COSMIC platform. Specifically, you will have a focus on the development of Cancer Gene Census (CGC), Cancer Mutation Census (CMC), and COSMIC’s precision medicine resource (Actionability).

A key part of your role will be to integrate scientific knowledge with cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-driven methodologies, to improve how COSMIC delivers insight to researchers, clinicians, and the global community. You will have the opportunity to influence data curation, interpretation, and delivery in ways that make a real-world impact on cancer research and precision medicine.

About You:

You are a collaborative and purpose-driven leader who thrives on teamwork, innovation, and scientific excellence. Whether your background lies in biology, computational science, or data science, you’re excited by the challenge of transforming data into meaningful insights that help tackle cancer. An understanding of the commercial genomics landscape, and how to translate scientific discovery into real-world opportunities, will be highly valuable in this role.

You will enjoy working with and empowering others, bringing together diverse perspectives to create data solutions that are scientifically robust and widely accessible. You lead by example, build trust, and create an environment where your team can do their best work.

We understand that people come to leadership in different ways. If you’re excited about this role but unsure you meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply as we value potential and diverse experiences/backgrounds.

Essential Technical Skills:

• PhD in Biological or Computer Science discipline or similar experience

• Experience of developing and delivering scientific/data strategies

• Up to date knowledge of human or cancer genomics and current trends in the field

• Experience of leading scientific/data research teams and proven track record of building/motivating team members

• Experience of horizon-scanning and applying new scientific technologies and approaches to a team’s work

• Understanding of the commercial genomics field/market

• Experienced in data science especially AI/ML/NLP and applying in a genomics setting

Competencies and Behaviours:

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and tailor explanations to differing knowledge levels

• Strong commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Proven ability to engage and form strong working collaborations with both academic and commercial partners

• Strategic thinker

• Can demonstrate initiative, creativity, flexibility, and a personal ethos of continuous improvement

About Us:

COSMIC is powered by collaboration, innovation, and integrity. The Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) has become the most comprehensive publicly accessible resource of genetic mutations that cause cancer. It is designed to store and display somatic mutation information and related details and contains information relating to human cancers.

 As part of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, you’ll join a community that values diversity of thought and supports flexible, inclusive working. We are proud to offer an environment where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive, contribute, and grow.

Application Process:

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, outlining your motivation for applying and demonstrating how your skills, and experience meet the essential criteria. Please highlight your suitability for the role, referencing the criteria listed above and detailed in the job description.

For an informal discussion about the role, contact Jon Teague (jwt@sanger.ac.uk)

• Salary per annum:£63,985 to £86,000 dependent upon skills and experience
• Scientific Management job family:PSG4Role profile
• Contract Type:Permanent
• Closing Date:30 November 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.

About Us

Life at the Sanger Institute is unique. We are tackling some of the most difficult challenges in genomic research. Our people are shaping the future by delivering life-changing science with the reach, scale, and creativity to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges. 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.

Benefits

We offer an attractive benefits package at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. We appreciate the importance of achieving work-life balance and support this with a number of family and carer-friendly policies. Plus a flexible working policy for those who may wish to amend their working pattern or arrangement.

Visa Sponsorship

Each year, the Wellcome Sanger Institute welcomes researchers from around the world to the Genome Campus to collaborate and drive cutting-edge science. Whether you're joining as faculty, a postdoc, or a visitor, our dedicated International Team offers expert guidance and support throughout your journey, promoting the Institute’s global and collaborative ethos.