Head of Global Science Policy

Wellcome Trust; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Excellent benefits

Flexible working options

Disability adjustments available

Job summary

Wellcome Trust in London is seeking a Head of Global Science Policy to lead the strategy and delivery of global science policy initiatives, building a new Science Policy Labs team and directing policy research, evidence and ideas to accelerate health research impact.

You will recruit a world‑class network of policy associates, develop strategic collaborations, design scalable operating models, and communicate thought leadership to influence policymakers, donors and partners across UK and

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in global science policy, governance and funding.
• Track record of policy research or metascience with international impact.
• Ability to translate concepts into practical operating models.
• Experience building and leading multidisciplinary policy teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development and delivery of global science policy work.
• Recruit and develop a world-class Science Policy Labs team.
• Develop collaborations and initiatives to accelerate policy solutions.
• Collaborate across departments to maximise impact and resources.
• Provide thought leadership and high-quality outputs to influence policy.

Skills

Global science policy

Health science policy

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Policy research

Job description

Salary: £84,640 - £105,800 Closing date: Sunday, 1 November 2026 Contract type: Permanent Interview dates: 1st stage (Fri, 20/11 + W/c 23/11) online/Remote; 2nd stage (w/c 30/11) Online; 3rd stage (Online)

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships. We committed to spend £16bn in the ten years to 2032, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

Where in Wellcome will I be working?

You will join Science Policy Labs, a new team in Wellcome’s Policy and Partnerships department charged with exploring, shaping and accelerating new and better ways of supporting science in service of Wellcome’s mission. You’ll be joining Science Policy Labs at a critical inflection point. You’ll have the opportunity to grow a new multi-disciplinary team of policy advisors, researchers and designers that is passionate about shaping the environment for, and the public impact of, science. You’ll report to the Associate Director of Science Policy Labs and will work closely with the Head of UK and EU Science Policy as part of a three-strong leadership team charged with translating this vision into operational reality. You’ll also be a key contributor to the leadership team across the Policy and Partnerships department where we have deep policy, government relations and strategic partnerships expertise. You will also benefit from working closely with teams across the Discovery department who invest in advancing the scientific frontier in the UK and our other priority geographies in Africa and Asia.

What will I be doing?

You’ll lead the strategic development and delivery of our work shaping global science policy to responsibly accelerate the next era of transformative scientific discoveries towards a healthier future for everyone. Your first task will be to work with the Associate Director to identify and recruit a world‑class team and a network of Science Policy Associates. With that team, you’ll build a portfolio of policy research, evidence and ideas, and clear routes to influencing change. You’ll develop strategic collaborations, and design and support new methods and initiatives for accelerating solutions to science policy challenges. You’ll work collaboratively across Science Policy Labs and beyond to optimise use of people, budget and methods for maximum impact. Our privileged position as a major funder of discovery science creates valuable opportunities to improve the environment for science and the ways in which it will benefit everyone’s health. You’ll help us raise our ambition and realise it. You’ll use your superb communication skills for thought leadership, and will lead, develop and motivate the team, sharing your deep expertise generously – to set high standards for our policy research and other outputs, and to deliver consistently high calibre work that makes an impact. As Head of Global Science Policy in Science Policy Labs, your initial agenda will include tackling questions such as:

• How can we advance effective and equitable global stewardship of scientific data in an era of AI and science sovereignty?
• How can policy keep pace with discovery through the anticipatory governance of frontier science, including AI in science?
• How can we shape the roles of philanthropy, governments and international institutions so that scientific discoveries benefit everyone’s health?

Some desirable experience:

Expertise in science for health, including life sciences

Experience in both global fora and in our priority geographies (LMICs across Africa, South Asia and South‑East Asia and UK)

Demonstrable commitment to ensuring that discovery is pursued responsibly and the benefits felt by everyone.

Minimum Criteria:

• Deep experience and expertise in global science policy (eg the funding, conditions, institutions, incentives, governance, regulation, collaborations and impact of science and innovation).
• Track record of original thinking, high calibre policy research or metascience, analysis and impact in an international setting.
• Proven ability to take an idea from concept to reality.
• End‑to‑end experience of translating a high‑level concept into a practical operating model.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and determining and validating strategic direction through uncertainty, securing buy‑in at every stage.
• Demonstrated success in cutting through complexity and making things happen, not just managing budgets, governance and relationships effectively.
• Built and managed teams, programmes, policy accelerators or relevant organisations to deliver on an ambitious goal.
• Strong understanding of how to influence change in science and innovation policy with relevant networks, experience and judgement on building collaborations and coalitions for impact.

Our Hybrid Way of Working

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best. At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long‑term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at [e-mail].

We support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research. Wellcome isn't just a supporter of great ideas, it's a great place to work. We offer excellent benefits and help our employees to develop in an open, respectful culture where differences are valued.