Group Leader - Generative Biology and AI

Wellcome Sanger Institute; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in the UK is seeking a Junior Group Leader to pioneer research in generative biology and AI. This role offers substantial funding and the opportunity to lead a dynamic research team. Ideal candidates will have a PhD, strong collaborative skills, and a passion for innovative science. Enjoy a flexible, inclusive workplace with outstanding resources to make impactful discoveries.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Family-friendly policies

Relocation and visa support

Generous benefits

Qualifications

• Proven track record in generative biology or related fields.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills.
• Experience with collaborative projects in a scientific environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a research team in generative genomics.
• Develop and implement innovative research strategies.
• Collaborate with other scientists to drive large-scale discoveries.

Skills

Data generation at scale

AI and machine learning

Enzyme engineering

Synthetic genomics

Biophysical and kinetic characterization

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific field

Tools

High-throughput science platforms

Computational biology tools

Job description

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

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 Generative Genomics Programme, where molecular biology meets AI.

About 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, Jussi Taipale, and Leopold Parts, with an incoming senior group leader in AI / machine learning and strong links across the Institute’s diverse programmes — Cellular Genetics, Human Genetics, Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation, Parasites and Microbes, and Tree of Life - as well as with Sanger Scientific Operations and Informatics and Digital Solutions.

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 :

• Data generation at scale for quantitative protein, RNA and cellular pathway design
• AI and machine learning for biological design and engineering
• Generative chemistry and chemical biology at scale
• Massively parallel design-test cycles for synthetic and generative biology
• Enzyme engineering and enzyme design
• Synthetic genomics : genome synthesis and engineering at scale
• Molecular, biophysical and kinetic characterisation of proteins and RNAs at scale
• 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.

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.
• 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.