Group Leaders- Human Genetics And Disease Prediction

Wellcome Sanger Institute; Harlow; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading genomics research institute in the UK is seeking Group Leaders to join their Human Genetics Programme. As a Group Leader, you will be tasked with high-impact research, leveraging substantial core funding and a collaborative environment. Candidates with backgrounds in genetics, epidemiology, and AI/ML are encouraged to apply. This position promises a supportive workplace dedicated to scientific excellence and personal development, located in the heart of a vibrant science hub.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Comprehensive relocation support

Generous benefits

Qualifications

• Background in clinical medicine, human genetics, genomics, and multi-omics.
• Experience in epidemiology, statistics, computer science, clinical informatics, AI/ML.
• Commitment to collaboration and originality in one or more areas.

Responsibilities

• Shape programme strategy and drive large-scale discovery.
• Lead a growing core-funded team and innovative research.
• Mentor and develop a team within a supportive environment.

Job description

Frontier of Human Genomics and Disease Prediction

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.

About The Programme

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. 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, Generative Genomics, Parasites and Microbes, and Tree of Life – as well as with Sanger Scientific Operations and Informatics and Digital Solutions. 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.

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.

• Human genetics and multi-omics for complex traits and diseases.
• Epidemiology and longitudinal cohort design and analysis.
• Electronic health records and real‑world data science, including phenotyping and data linkage.
• Causal inference and statistical methods for target and biomarker prioritisation.
• Development and application of AI/ML and predictive modelling methods using multi‑omic and clinical data.
• Methods and resources for diverse and under‑represented populations, improving equity and generalisability of prediction
• 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 under‑represented 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.

Group Leader 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.
• 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, high‑impact innovation landscape of Cambridge and London.

Benefits

Our faculty and employees benefit from flexible working options, family‑friendly policies, generous benefits and comprehensive relocation support.

Application Essentials

Your application should include:

• A CV and a full publication list.
• A two‑page cover letter summarising your scientific and leadership achievements to date, and your contribution to the wider research community and society. You may wish to include diversity and inclusion initiatives and public engagement events.
• 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.
• 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.

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.