Group Leaders- Human Genetics and Disease Prediction
- locations
- Hinxton, Cambridgeshire
- time type
- Full time
- posted on
- Posted Today
- job requisition id
- JR103433
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 Human Genomics and Disease Prediction
Become a Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
At the Wellcome Sanger Institute, we’re rethinking how human data can be used to understand, predict and ultimately change the course of disease. We’re hiring Group Leaders to join our Human Genetics Programme where large-scale cohorts, longitudinal multi-omics and patient data come together to power predictive models of health and disease.
About the Programme
Our mission is bold: to generate the datasets, build the predictive models and develop the causal understanding needed to predict, prevent and treat human disease. We design and generate large-scale, longitudinal multi-omic resources, tightly linked to detailed patient data, and use these to understand how genetic and environmental variation shape molecular states, trajectories and outcomes. We will use AI, machine learning, and robust causal inference methods to turn that understanding into better risk prediction, diagnosis and treatment, deriving openly accessible predictive models that are generalisable and transferable between populations and clinical contexts.
You’ll join a group of creative faculty comprising Carl Anderson, Emma Davenport, Matthew Hurles, Hilary Martin and Gosia Trynka, with strong links across the Institute’s diverse programmes — Cellular Genomics, Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation,
The programme offers sustained core funding, large-scale technology and informatics platforms and a genuinely collaborative, supportive working environment in the Cambridge–London science hub. If you’re excited by our ambitious mission and want to make a bold, personal contribution to it in an environment that values diverse perspectives and inclusive collaboration, we want to hear from you.
Who We’re Looking For:
We welcome applications from researchers with backgrounds in clinical medicine, human genetics, genomics and multi-omics, epidemiology, statistics, computer science, clinical informatics and AI/ML. We are keen to hear from both clinician scientists and non-clinical/basic scientists. We do not expect any individual to span all of the areas below; we are looking for depth and originality in one or more of them, together with a strong commitment to collaboration.
You might, for example, have expertise in:
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Human genetics and multi-omics for complex traits and diseases.
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Epidemiology and longitudinal cohort design and analysis.
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Electronic health records and real-world data science, including phenotyping and data linkage.
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Causal inference and statistical methods for target and biomarker prioritisation.
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Development and application of AI/ML and predictive modelling methods using multi-omic and clinical data.
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Methods and resources for diverse and under-represented populations, improving equity and generalisability of prediction
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Statistical and computational methods, data platforms and standards that make large-scale multi-omic and clinical data, and the resulting models, robust and widely usable.
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.
We are recruiting Group Leaders across all our Faculty levels. Our Group Leader positions offer access to substantial core funding, including a competitive salary and continuous internal funding that enables the pursuit of ambitious, large-scale research.
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 team within a supportive and collegial environment where collaboration, well-being, and inclusion are prioritised.
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. Six-year post with review in year six.
Group Leader 3 (GL3): 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.
Why Join Us?
- Substantial, Sustained Core Funding: Focus on the science that matters — not grant cycles. Launch long-term, high-impact research.
-Unmatched access to high-throughput science platforms, Scientific Operations, and Informatics infrastructure.
Scale + Technology:-Work side-by-side with leading genomics experts in an environment built for cooperation, discovery and translational impact.
A Truly Collaborative Culture:-Relocation and visa support, mentorship, flexible working, family-friendly policies, and a campus dedicated to well-being and scientific excellence.
A Supportive, Inclusive, and Flexible Workplace:-Benefit from the dynamic, high-impact innovation landscape of Cambridge and London.
A Global Science Hub:
Our faculty and employees benefit from flexible working options, family friendly policies, generous benefits, and comprehensive relocation support.
Application Essentials:
Your application should include:
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A CV and a full publication list
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A two-page cover letter summarising:
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Your scientific and leadership achievements to date
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Your contribution to the wider research community and society, you may wish to include diversity and inclusion initiatives and public engagement events
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A three page outline of your future research plans indicating how these fit with the Human Genetics Programme, and the wider Institute. This should include how access to genomics at scale would transform your science. Please include a short abstract at the start of this document (no more than 250 words) summarising your plans.
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Please upload all documentation with your application
Your application will be reviewed and considered across GL1, GL2 and GL3 faculty levels focusing on your scientific achievement, experience, and personal suitability in line with our core behavioural competencies; collaboration, communication, leadership, integrity, results-driven, and innovation.
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:
- Scientific Talks (past and future research)
- Panel Interview based on leadership, collaboration, and core behavioural competencies and values
- 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 Change How We Predict and Prevent Human Disease?
Join us at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and help build the next generation of human genetic and longitudinal multi-omic resources and predictive models, in an environment where your science, your judgement and your career are supported and valued.
⏰ Closing date: 15th March 2026📅 Interviews: April 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.
Category Buyer
- locations
- Hinxton, Cambridgeshire
- time type
- Full time
- posted on
- Posted Yesterday
- job requisition id
- JR103527
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 a proactive Category Buyer looking to take the next step in your procurement career? Do you thrive on building strong stakeholder relationships, shaping category strategies, and delivering real commercial value? If you’re motivated by collaboration, enjoy influencing outcomes across complex scientific and operational environments, and want to play a key role in supporting world-leading research and innovation, then keep reading. This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!
About the role
As a Category Buyer, you will:
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Build and maintain excellent relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.
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Share knowledge, build trust and credibility to enable influential communication.
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Establish good understanding of department strategy for allocated stakeholder areas, building this into mid/low risk Category planning
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Manage and prioritise project workload based on Procurement principles of adding value and mitigating risk
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Proactively identify new projects through stakeholder interaction
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Formalise allocated Category strategies, project sourcing strategies in close collaboration with key stakeholders
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Provide commercial insight to stakeholders and project teams, based on market knowledge and wider Institute activity
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Constructively challenge the status quo to increase value and identify/mitigate risks
About you
To excel in this role, you will need the following competencies:
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Comfortable building strong and collaborative working relationships with relevant stakeholders and project team members
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A self-starter, able to work autonomously, but with full support of Partners where required
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Proven negotiator with suppliers and customers alike and can develop collaborative relationships both internally and externally
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Strong advocate for Procurement value proposition
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Demonstrable experience in category management and associated tools/techniques
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Ability to take underlying data and present narrative and recommendations to stakeholders
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Solution and output oriented with a willingness to take on challenges
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Proven ability to listen, understand business needs and provide win-win solutions in a proactive and principled manner
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Flexible and pragmatic attitude
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Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills
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Good understanding of key contractual terms
About us
The Procurement team are a friendly and supportive group. We’ve worked hard to establish ourselves as trusted and influential partners across the institute, which means that collectively we have excellent visibility of commercial activity across the Genome Campus.
Our team's mission is closely aligned with that of the wider organisation, and we believe that we add the most value through early and influential engagement; so, relationships (internal & external) are very important. World-leading science is in part delivered through the adoption of cutting-edge technology as well as an excellent physical environment – our beautiful Campus provides these in abundance, and the Procurement function plays a key role in supporting both.
Within the team, an environment of trust, empowerment and development is actively encouraged. People are expected to be bold, try new things, be accountable, but also feel supported when needed.
This is an exciting time to join Sanger as we welcome our new Director, embark on a vast Campus expansion and look to tackle the external challenges which face us over the coming years.
Additional information
Please note: This is a hybrid role with 2-3 days per week onsite.
Applications: Please include a cover letter along with your CV. In your cover letter, include details on how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role described.
Salary: £41,600 - £46,000
Closing Date: Sunday 01-MAR-26
Contract duration: Permanent
Role profile: For the full list of accountabilities and criteria, please click here.
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.
Head of Programme- Somatic Genomics
- locations
- Hinxton, Cambridgeshire
- time type
- Full time
- posted on
- Posted 2 Days Ago
- job requisition id
- JR103523
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 are seeking an internationally recognised scientific leader to direct the Wellcome Sanger Institute’s Somatic Genomics Programme, one of our flagship research domains. This role offers the opportunity to define and deliver a bold, long-term scientific vision for understanding how somatic mutations arise, accumulate and shape human health across the lifespan.
Sanger’s science is organised into a small number of major Programmes, each led by a Head of Programme with significant autonomy. Heads of Programme shape scientific direction, enable delivery through leadership and collaboration, and work within a distinctive non-tenure faculty model that allows scientific leadership to evolve over time. This is a leadership role focused on vision, people and impact, supported by world-class technical, operational and informatics teams.
This appointment provides a rare opportunity to establish a transformative research agenda spanning the origins of cancer and non-neoplastic disease, ageing and mutational processes, leveraging Sanger’s unparalleled scale, technologies and collaborative environment.
About the Programme:
The Somatic Genomics Programme aims to understand the causes and consequences of somatic mutations and epimutations, and their roles in health and disease. The Programme seeks to decipher fundamental processes of mutation, selection and clonal dynamics, and how these might be harnessed for prevention and therapeutic benefit.
Building on Sanger’s world-leading contributions, the Programme will define a 10–15 year research trajectory across cancer and beyond oncology, with scope for significant technology development and broader impact across medicine and biology.
What you’ll do:
As Head of Programme, you will:
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Set the scientific vision and strategy for the Programme and lead its delivery
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Recruit, support and develop core and associate faculty, fostering an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing environment
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Lead your own research group
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Guide and coordinate Programme research to ensure scientific excellence and sustainability
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Work in close partnership with technical, operational and informatics teams
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Contribute to the Institute’s Senior Leadership Team and strategic direction
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Build external collaborations and, where appropriate, pursue funding and partnerships
We welcome applicants from academia, industry, clinical and non-traditional career paths.
About you:
We are seeking an established scientific leader with the experience and credibility to lead a major research Programme at scale, while fostering a supportive, inclusive and collaborative research environment.
Essential Skills and Experience:
Scientific Leadership & Expertise
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A strong record of research and scientific publication and impact in a relevant field, including the presentation and derivation of insight from genomic data.
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Recognised expertise and contribution within relevant scientific communities, appropriate to career stage
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Significant scientific contributions demonstrated through high-quality research, innovation, or translational impact across academic, clinical, or industry settings.
Programme, Team & People Leadership
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Experience leading and developing scientific teams or research groups, with the ability to empower, mentor and support people from diverse backgrounds.
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Ability to set a pioneering and forward-looking scientific vision for the Programme, and articulate a long-term strategic plan to deliver on that vision.
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Demonstrated commitment to inclusive, respectful and values-led leadership, fostering an environment where people feel supported to do their best work.
Collaboration, Partnership & Influence
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Evidence of successful teamwork and partnership-building across scientific, clinical, technical or industry communities.
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Ability to work openly and constructively as part of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to institutional strategy, planning and decision-making.
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Excellent communication skills tailored to diverse audiences, with the ability to engage transparently and collaboratively across all levels of the organisation.
Operational Delivery & Adaptability
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Experience contributing to or leading complex, interdisciplinary programmes.
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Ability to work adaptively and proactively with operational, technical and informatics colleagues to ensure effective programme delivery.
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Understanding of responsible research practice, data governance and the stewardship of shared scientific resources.
Culture, Inclusion & Institute Values
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Commitment to creating a culture grounded in openness, teamwork, adaptability and pioneering science, in line with the Institute’s values.
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Ability to champion inclusive research culture through your leadership style, decision-making, and day-to-day interactions.
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Willingness to actively contribute to organisational culture, including Sanger citizenship activities, Culture & Inclusion initiatives and Research Environment priorities.
Funding, Engagement & External Representation
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Experience developing or contributing to external funding, partnerships or major collaborative initiatives, appropriate to career stage.
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Ability to represent the Programme and Institute externally, strengthening strategic relationships with academic, clinical, industry and funding partners.
We welcome applicants with diverse leadership experiences, including from academia, industry, clinical roles and non-traditional career paths.
For further details, please see brochure.
Application Process:
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A CV outlining your professional experience, research achievements, leadership roles, collaborations, and contributions to your field.
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A statement (up to 3 pages), plus a 250-word summary, describing the scientific direction and ambitions you would set for the programme, including its potential scientific and societal impact; how you would enable delivery and outcomes through leadership, collaboration and governance; and, briefly, how you would establish effective and inclusive ways of working.
Your application will be assessed against our Faculty Model, with consideration of your scientific achievements and impact, programme and leadership experience, and your ability to operate effectively at a senior level. This includes evidence, demonstrated through your experience and examples, aligned to our core behavioural competencies of Collaboration, Communication, Innovation, Integrity, Leadership and Results, and our
of Adaptability, Openness, Pioneering and Teamwork.
valuesClosing Date: 22nd April 2026
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:
-
Scientific Talks (past and future research)
-
Panel Interview based on leadership, collaboration, and core behavioural competencies and values. The interview panel will comprise of internal leaders and representation from our collaborators.
-
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.
Interviews are due to take place May/June 2026.
Location and relocation
We welcome applications from candidates based anywhere in the world. This role is based in the UK, with visa and relocation support available where required.
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.
Computer Biologist
- locations
- Hinxton, Cambridgeshire
- time type
- Full time
- posted on
- Posted 2 Days Ago
- job requisition id
- JR103533
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 are seeking a talented Computational Biologist to join the Genome Reference Informatics Team at Wellcome Sanger Institute on a 2 year contract contributing to the curation of genome assemblies to produce high quality chromosome-scale references.
About the Role:
The Tree of Life project is generating genome assemblies for thousands of species. We need you to analyse and improve the resulting assemblies to generate the best possible outcome for use by the scientific community to support exciting science all around the globe.
You will be responsible for:
The improvement of automated genome assemblies through manual curation using bespoke software and tools. In addition, you will feedback lessons learned from the curation process to the teams generating assemblies, influencing software development and overall assembly strategy.About You:
You will have a sound knowledge of genomics and sequence assembly, and possess a high level of problem-solving skills to further improve automated genome assemblies through manual curation using bespoke software and tools. In addition, you have excellent communication skills to feedback lessons learned from the curation process to those working in assembly generation, influencing software development and overall assembly strategy.
You have experience of working collaboratively with others in a professional environment. You are a strong team player and disseminate knowledge and novel insights effectively to ensure constant process improvements whilst retaining consistency within the team. You are organised with the ability to work flexibly to support a number of projects and changing priorities and deliver to agreed quality and timelines.
We have a strong publication record and culture of producing open data resources. This role requires an investigative mindset, with quick decision making and dedication to finalising tasks.
Essential Technical Skills:
-
Advanced degree in a Biological or Computational discipline, or equivalent experience
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Demonstrable knowledge of genomics, genome assembly and analysis
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Knowledge of the Unix computing environment, ability to modify files and run command line scripts
Essential Competencies and Behaviours:
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Excellent critical and problem-solving skills
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Ability to quickly adapt to new problems and ideas
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Ability to organise, plan and prioritise a diverse range of work to meet deadlines
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A high level of communication skills to be able to document and convey complex information to groups with different levels of technical knowledge
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Attention to detail and the ability to work to meet timelines
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Ability to work in a team to exchange findings and ideas and to ensure consistency and highest quality
About Us:
The Tree of Life (ToL) Programme investigates the diversity of complex organisms through sequencing and cellular technologies to explore the evolution of eukaryotic life, provide the raw materials for new biotechnology and deliver tools and understanding for biodiversity conservation. ToL generates genome assemblies for several large Earth BioGenome project initiatives, like Darwin Tree of Life Project (DToL), Project Psyche and AEGIS in addition to other faculty research projects.
DToL is a major national initiative, led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, to provide high-quality ‘reference’ genome sequences for all eukaryotic species in Britain and Ireland. The project includes a wide range of partners such as the National History Museum (NHM), Kew Gardens, The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, The Earlham Institute, Wytham Woods and the Marine Biological Association (MBA).
There are further collaborations and partnerships with the Vertebrate Genomes Project, European Reference Genomes Atlas and Earth BioGenome Project.
Other Information:
We operate a hybrid working pattern with the requirement of a minimum 3 days working onsite in this team.
Application Process:
Please apply with your CV and a Cover letter outlining how you meet the essential skills set out above, why you want to apply to this role and what value/experience you can bring.
Salary per annum: £44,905 - £53,000 Role Profile
Informatician/ Data Scientist job family: Grade 2
Contract Type: 2 year contract
Recruitment Process: Shortlisting w/c 23rd February, Interviews w/c 2nd March or w/c 9th March
Closing date: 22nd 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.
Scientific Manager - Tree of Life
- locations
- Hinxton, Cambridgeshire
- time type
- Full time
- posted on
- Posted Today
- job requisition id
- JR103557
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 are seeking an accomplished bioinformatics or genomic data scientist to lead a new team within our Tree of Life production genomics operations at Wellcome Sanger Institute, delivering genome analysis data for all eukaryotic species and making it freely accessible to the international research community.
About the Role:
Within the Tree of Life Programme at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, we have built the
Genome Engine Earth Biogenome umbrella
The work of the WRAP team will extend the value of genome assemblies by delivering consistent, high-quality downstream analyses that provide a trusted foundation for scientific discovery. These include assembly quality assessment, read mapping and variant calling, gene and feature annotation, phylogenetic analysis, and others.
This role requires someone with a strong grasp of complex data flows and large-scale analysis pipelines, capable of driving delivery through effective team leadership and cross-programme collaboration.
About You:
You will join a collaborative, scientifically driven team working at scale to generate, analyse, and interpret genomic data. You are motivated by open science, excited by large-scale genomic resource generation, and keen to make a meaningful scientific impact.
This role is suited to someone with previous experience in large scale scientific data analysis. We have a strong publication record and culture of producing open data resources and open-source software development. This role requires an investigative and solution-oriented mindset and excellent communication skills to work effectively within large national and international consortia.
Essential Technical Skills:
-
Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent experience
-
Expert knowledge of genomics
-
Proven experience in large-scale genomics data analysis
-
Proficiency in one or more scripting languages, (e.g. Python or Perl)
-
Demonstrated experience in computational scientific data analysis
-
Strong working knowledge of Unix/Linux environments
-
Knowledge of current sequencing data and technologies.
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Experience with running software on a compute farm, cluster, or cloud environment.
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Experience with workflow languages such as Nextflow, Snakemake, WDL
Essential Competencies and Behaviours:
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Highly effective at driving work to completion and closing deliverables.
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Demonstrable successful project delivery within the immediate team and in collaboration with wider stakeholder groups.
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Excellent communication skills and ability to build and maintain good working relationships.
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Curiosity-driven and committed to sharing scientific ideas
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Attention to detail and the ability to meet delivery timelines.
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Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Ability to quickly adapt and respond to new problems and ideas.
About Us:
The Tree of Life Programme at the Sanger Institute was established to develop and deliver platforms that transform our understanding of the natural world through high-throughput and high-quality biodiversity genomics.
The WRAP team sits within the Tree of Life Assembly team, which leads high quality genome assembly production for major international initiatives such as the Darwin Tree of Life Project , the
Aquatic Symbiosis Genomics Project Vertebrate Genomes Project. These contribute directly to the
European Reference Genome Atlas Earth BioGenome Project
To date, we have generated nearly 4,000 high-quality reference genome assemblies and continue to scale our efforts through active development of methods, tools, and pipelines. Our multidisciplinary team of bioinformaticians and software developers works closely with faculty groups and informatics teams across the Programme to enable the smooth progression of genomes through the full Tree of Life Genome Engine.
Other Information:
For further information or questions about this role please contact Shane McCarthy (sm15@sanger.ac.uk).
Application Process:
Please apply with your CV and a Cover Letter outlining how you meet the essential skills set out above, why you want to apply to this role and what value/experience you can bring.
Salary per annum: £42,925 - £50,000 Role Profile
Scientific Management job family: Grade 2
Contract Type: 2 year contract
Recruitment Process: Shortlisting w/c 2nd March, Interviews w/c 9th March or w/c 16th March
Closing date: 1st March 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.