Group Leader - Generative Biology and AI
- locations
- Hinxton, Cambridgeshire
- time type
- Full time
- posted on
- Posted Yesterday
- job requisition id
- JR103313
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.
Join the Frontier of Generative Biology and AI - Become a Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
At the Wellcome Sanger Institute, we’re shaping the future of biology — and we’re looking for collaborative, creative, and visionary scientists to help lead the way. We’re hiring a new Junior Group Leader to join our pioneering
, where molecular biology meets AI.
Generative Genomics ProgrammeAbout the Programme:
Our mission is bold: to generate data at scale to train the next generation of AI models to make molecular biology predictive and programmable. Our world-class programme merges large-scale data generation with artificial intelligence and cutting-edge synthetic genomics.
You’ll join a group of creative faculty including Ben Lehner,
We’re driving a transformation in biological data generation, design and synthesis. If you’re excited by ambitious science and want to work in an environment that values diverse perspectives and inclusive collaboration, we want to hear from you.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking exceptional researchers in one or more of the following areas:
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Data generation at scale for quantitative protein, RNA and cellular pathway design
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AI and machine learning for biological design and engineering
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Generative chemistry and chemical biology at scale
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Massively parallel design-test cycles for synthetic and generative biology
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Enzyme engineering and enzyme design
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Synthetic genomics: genome synthesis and engineering at scale
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Molecular, biophysical and kinetic characterisation of proteins and RNAs at scale
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Data generation and model development for sequence-encoded control of gene expression
The Wellcome Sanger Institute is located in the centre of the largest scientific and startup cluster in Europe and combines the scientific innovation of Cambridge with the business and cultural ambition of London. We care about the long-term translation and impact of our research.
We welcome applicants from all career stages, including those from clinical, industry, or non-traditional career paths. We particularly encourage applications from women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. We believe our science is enriched by a diversity of perspectives and experiences.
The Role: Faculty with Vision, long-term funding and scientific freedom
Group Leader 1 positions are designed for scientists establishing their first research group and offer a very substantial core package, including a competitive salary and continuous internal funding that enables the pursuit of ambitious, large-scale research without the need for external grants.
Faculty at the Institute are supported by outstanding scientific, technical, and operational teams, allowing them to focus on impactful research and leadership. You will have the opportunity to mentor and develop a growing team within a supportive and collegial environment where collaboration, well-being, and inclusion are prioritised.
We will also consider applications from later stage researchers in exceptional circumstances. The institute appoints faculty at three levels:
Group Leader 1 (GL1): Your first or second group leader role (equivalent to Assistant Professor US / Lecturer UK). Eight-year post, core funded beyond a typical ERC or R01 grant with additional access to funds for large strategic projects. Launch your vision with the freedom to innovate at scale.
Group Leader 2 (GL2): Mid-career (Associate Professor). Lead a growing core-funded team, shape programme strategy, and drive large-scale discovery. Eight-year post with review in year six.
Senior leadership role (Full Professor) helping to shape Sanger’s long-term research strategy. Ongoing tenure with six-year rolling reviews. Global research leaders are encouraged to apply.
Group Leader 3 (GL3):Why Join Us?
- Substantial, Sustained Core Funding:Focus on the science that matters — not grant cycles. Launch long-term, high-impact research.
- Scale + Technology:Unmatched access to high-throughput science platforms, Scientific Operations, and Informatics infrastructure.
- A Truly Collaborative Culture:Work side-by-side with leading genomics experts in an environment built for cooperation, discovery and translational impact.
- A Supportive, Inclusive, and Flexible Workplace:Relocation and visa support, mentorship, flexible working, family-friendly policies, and a campus dedicated to well-being and scientific excellence.
- A Global Science Hub:Benefit from the dynamic, international, and high-impact innovation landscape of Cambridge and London.
Our faculty and employees benefit from flexible working options, family friendly policies, generous benefits, and comprehensive relocation support.
Application Process:
Your application should include:
1. Curriculum vitae, a complete list of publications and details of three referees
2. A two-page Cover letter summarising your scientific leadership and wider contributions (including diversity and inclusion initiatives, mentorship and public engagement)
3. Research vision addressing a fundamental problem (3 pages + 250-word abstract):
- Fit with our programme (direction, ambition and scale, explaining why Sanger is the right environment)
- What you’ll do that can’t be done elsewhere
Interview Process:
We believe recruitment should be supportive and transparent. You'll meet with teams across science, strategy, and operations to explore Sanger’s full potential. Our process includes:
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Scientific Talks (past and future research)
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Panel Interview based on leadership, collaboration, and core behavioural competencies
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Stakeholder 1:1s with Group Leaders and Programme leads
We understand balancing career opportunities with personal commitments can be challenging, and our process is designed to be flexible and supportive.
Ready to Redefine What’s Possible in Biology?
Join us at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and be part of a transformative, AI-powered future for life sciences. Help build the next era of synthetic genomics in an environment where your science, your voice, and your career are valued.
For further details about the opportunity, please visit: 🔗 Brochure Link
Positions carry a significant core package of salaries and support, which are backed by rewarding and flexible employment terms including excellent benefits and relocation support.
We provide expert in-house advice and guidance on travel and relocation to the UK and beyond. From your initial visa application to extensions and applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain, our dedicated Immigration Team is here to support both your personal applications and those of your dependants and family members. As part of the Institute, this team is committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient process throughout your visa journey. For more details on the immigration support available, please visit: Global Mobility and Immigration Service.
⏰ Closing date: 11th January 2026
📅 Interviews: Week commencing 23rd February 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.
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.