Group Leaders- Cellular Genomics

Wellcome Sanger Institute; Saffron Walden; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wellcome Sanger Institute seeks visionary scientists for the Group Leader role in its Cellular Genomics Programme. This position involves leading research to decode human tissue ecosystems and offers competitive core funding, mentorship opportunities, and a collaborative work environment. Ideal candidates possess expertise in multiomic analysis and AI-driven data interpretation.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive relocation support

Generous benefits

Qualifications

• Expertise in multiomic and genomic analysis.
• Experience in developing experimental in vitro models.
• Proficiency in computational tools for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives in cellular genomics.
• Mentor and develop a team within a collaborative environment.
• Integrate artificial intelligence to enhance research outcomes.

Skills

Multiomic analysis

In vitro models of human tissues

Artificial intelligence models

Computational expertise in big data analysis

Clinical research

Education

PhD in relevant field

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 Cellular Genomics

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 visionary scientists to help lead the way. We’re hiring new Group Leaders to join the Cellular Genomics Programme , where we decode and recode the tissue ecosystems of the human body.

About the Programme:

Cellular Genomics aims to decode and recode human tissue ecosystems to understand how the body works and what causes disease. Our “lab-in-the-loop” approach combines high content multiomics and multimodal data generation from human tissues (including from patient cohorts), advanced organoid models to test mechanisms, and artificial intelligence to interpret data, make predictions and guide further experiments. We are a leading contributor to the international Human Cell Atlas initiative and have established fruitful collaborations across Cambridge in technology development and clinical research. We work in an inclusive and supportive environment, and are driven by the desire to improve human health through research.

We’re seeking colleagues who will bring valuable expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Multiomic analysis of human tissues, including but not limited to single cell genomics, epigenomics, genetics, proteomics and spatial genomics, and including studies spanning developmental stages and ageing.
• In vitro models of human tissues, including stem cells, organoids and primary tissues, to dissect the cellular mechanisms of health and disease.
• Artificial intelligence models to interpret multiomic cell atlas data, guide experimental design and integrate large datasets
• Computational expertise in big data analysis
• Clinical research using patient cohorts to understand the cellular basis of disease, including inflammatory conditions

The Role: Faculty with Vision and Freedom

These positions offer a 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. Our Faculty benefit from flexible, rewarding employment terms, generous benefits, and comprehensive relocation support.

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 collaborative and well-resourced environment.

We appoint faculty at three levels and welcome applications from researchers across all career stages, including from clinical backgrounds. At this time, we are especially keen to hear from early career researchers ready to establish an independent research programme, and are also open to more experienced applicants. As part of our commitment to a diverse and inclusive scientific community, we particularly encourage applications from women, individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, and those with non-traditional career paths. We believe our science is enriched by a diversity of perspectives and experiences, including those from outside the normal academic pathways, and so encourage anyone who is excited by our mission to apply.

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 (equivalent to Associate Professor). Lead a growing core-funded team, shape programme strategy, and drive large-scale discovery. Promotional review occurs in year 6.

Group Leader 3 (GL3)
Senior leadership role (equivalent to Full Professor) helping to shape Sanger’s long-term research strategy. Ongoing positions 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, 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, high-impact innovation landscape of Cambridge and London.

Applications should be accompanied by:

• Curriculum vitae, a complete list of publications
• your scientific and leadership achievements to date
• your contribution to the wider research community and society, you may wish to include diversity and inclusion initiatives and public engagement events
• Which Faculty level you wish to be considered for and why
• A three-page outline of your future research plans indicating how these fit with the Cellular Genomics 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.
• 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 and our Behavioural Competency Framework
- Stakeholder 1:1s with Group Leaders and Programme leads

We’re here to support your journey from application to integration.

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.

Closing date: Sunday 17th August
Interviews: will take place during September 2025

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.

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. TheTechnician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

Every year the Wellcome Sanger Institute supports the visits of dozens of overseas researchers from across the globe to the Genome campus to collaborate, share insights and to undertake ground-breaking scientific research. Our reliable in-house service provides expert advice and guidance to support current and prospective staff, and visitors at various points of their journey. We are able to provide guidance through your entire journey, from initial visa application through to extensions and applications of Indefinite Leave to Remain, the service is proud to support your personal applications and those of your dependants and family members.

2025-06-10

2025-08-17 23:59 (Europe/London)
2025-08-18 00:59 (CET)

We are a world-leading genomics research institute. Our work helps improve human health and understand life on Earth.