Senior Manager, Tools, Technology & AI

wellcome; Greater London; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation dedicated to improving health by funding science, policy, and partnerships. We are seeking a Senior Manager, Tools, Technology & AI to drive our discovery research capabilities and investments in data, AI and emerging technologies.

You will shape funding priorities, build partnerships and work with internal and external stakeholders to maximise impact across health challenges and discovery research globally.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience, with substantial experience in research, funding, innovation, technology or related environment.
• Demonstrable expertise in tools, technologies, methodologies and/or AI relevant to health-related research.
• Experience coordinating complex strategic programmes, portfolios or initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead Wellcome's approach to tools, technologies, methodologies and AI across Discovery Research, shaping funding priorities, partnerships and activities.
• Identify emerging opportunities through horizon scanning and landscape analysis, engaging researchers and funders to invest where impact is greatest.
• Collaborate with the Data for Science & Health team to develop a coordinated AI strategy and maximise influence.
• Provide insight into opportunities and challenges facing the research community to inform strategy and funding decisions.
• Monitor portfolio activity and use data to improve funding, engagement and impact.

Education

PhD or equivalent research experience

Job description

Salary: £63,440 - £79,300

Closing date: Monday, 12 October 2026

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract (12 month)

Interview dates: 1st stage (5,6 and 9 November) online/Remote; 2nd stage: face to face

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.

These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won't be solved by science alone.

The Discovery team at Wellcome focuses on investing in people and ideas that generate new knowledge and deeper understanding of life, health and wellbeing, with the potential to transform how health challenges are identified, prevented and addressed in the future. Through initiatives such as the Discovery Research programme, Wellcome Leap and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the team supports a broad and ambitious portfolio of research, combining flexible funding, innovative programmes and world-leading research to drive meaningful, long-term impact.

A major focus of the Discovery department is to advance our ambition through investments in data, digital tools, technologies and AI as a core capability that transforms how discovery is conceived, conducted, and scaled.

We are looking for a Senior Manager, Tools, Technology & AI to join our team on a 12-month Fixed term contract.

Where in Wellcome will I be working?

This role will lead Wellcome's work on tools, technologies, methodologies and AI within discovery research, managing strategic investments, identifying new opportunities and building partnerships across the research and innovation landscape. Working closely with colleagues across Wellcome and external stakeholders, you will help shape a coordinated approach that strengthens scientific capability, informs funding priorities and ensures Wellcome can have the greatest possible impact in areas of emerging opportunity.

What will I be doing?

• Lead Wellcome's approach to tools, technologies, methodologies and AI across Discovery Research, shaping funding priorities, partnerships and activities that advance scientific discovery and support Wellcome's mission.
• Identify and assess emerging opportunities through horizon scanning, landscape analysis and engagement with researchers, technologists and funders, helping Wellcome invest where it can have the greatest impact.
• Work closely with colleagues across Wellcome, including the Data for Science & Health team, to develop a coordinated approach to AI and emerging technologies and maximise our collective influence.
• Build and share insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the research community, using evidence to inform strategy, strengthen networks and support decision-making.
• Monitor and evaluate portfolio activity, using learning and data to improve Wellcome's funding, influencing and engagement approaches and ensure our investments deliver meaningful impact.
• Foster inclusive, collaborative ways of working by bringing together people with diverse expertise, championing responsible innovation and ensuring emerging technologies can benefit researchers and communities globally.

Is this job for me?

This role could be a great fit if you have significant experience in a research, funding, technology or innovation environment and are excited by the potential of emerging tools, technologies and AI to advance discovery research. You will bring strategic thinking, effective relationship-building skills and the ability to translate insight into meaningful action, working with a wide range of stakeholders to identify opportunities, shape priorities and contribute to impact in a fast-moving and evolving landscape.

You will be comfortable guiding complex programmes, working through ambiguity and drawing on evidence to inform judgement, with the credibility to engage researchers, funders, industry and technology partners. A PhD or equivalent research experience, alongside a good understanding of the research and innovation ecosystem, will help you thrive in this role.

Minimum Criteria

A PhD or equivalent research experience, with substantial experience working in a research, funding, innovation, technology or related environment. Demonstrable expertise in tools, technologies, methodologies and/or AI relevant to health-related research, evidenced through the development, application, adoption, funding or strategic stewardship of these areas. Experience managing or coordinating complex strategic programmes, portfolios or initiatives, including identifying opportunities, shaping priori