Group Leader

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 Biodiversity 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 collaborative, creative, and visionary scientists to help lead the way. We’re hiring a new Group Leader to join our pioneering Tree of Life Programme , using advanced genomics to better understand life’s diversity.
Our mission is bold: to generate data at scale to address fundamental questions about the diversity of life at the genomic level. Our world-class programme merges large-scale data generation with focussed analysis of pattern and process in evolution, delivering to overarching goals of conservation of biodiversity, fueling a biotechnological progress and contributing to the health of human societies.
You’ll join a group of creative faculty including Mark Blaxter, Mara Lawniczak , Joana Meier and Kamil Jaron in the Tree of Life programme, with strong links across the Institute’s other research programmes ( Cellular Genetics , Human Genetics , Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation , Parasites and Microbes , and Generative Genomics ) as well as with Sanger Scientific Operations and Informatics and Digital Solutions .
We’re driving a transformation in the quality and availability of reference genomes across biodiversity, and in the use of these genomes in understanding biological evolution. 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.
We’re Seeking An Exceptional Researcher Whose Ambitions Depend On Diverse Eukaryotic Genomes And Large Scale Analysis. The Biodiversity Cell Atlas is a growing initiative that aims to use the technologies pioneered by the Human Cell Atlas (and colleagues in the Cellular Genetics Programme at Sanger) to profile species across the eukaryotic tree using single cell functional genomics methods to reveal cell-type orthology, discover the origins of distinct cell types and reveal the regulatory systems that generate this diversity.
Phylogenomics at megascale: devising algorithms, engineering toolkits and reconstructing phylogenetic relationships of genes and species, exploiting the power of reference quality genomes
Biodiversity AI: Deploying AI to discover fundamental rules of genome organisation across diversity, including gene structure and regulatory system prediction
Direct application of biodiversity genomics data in conservation, landscape ecology, bioengineering or any other field with clear impact on ongoing problems humanity is facing
If you are not sure whether your research objectives would fit into the Tree of Life, please do get in touch with Mark Blaxter mb35@sanger.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 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
We intend to recruit at the Group Leader 2 (equivalent to associate professor) or Group Leader 3 (equivalent to full professor) level. These positions are designed for established scientists 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.
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 leading to promotion to GL3 or departure by year 8.
Group Leader 3 (GL3): Senior leadership role (Full Professor) helping to shape Sanger’s long-term research strategy. Global research leaders are encouraged to apply.
Launch long-term, high-impact research.
Unmatched access to high-throughput science platforms, Scientific Operations, and Informatics infrastructure.
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.
Cover letter summarising your scientific leadership and wider contributions (including diversity and inclusion initiatives, mentorship and public engagement)
Scientific Talks (on past and future research)
Stakeholder 1:1 meetings with Group Leaders and Programme leads
We understand balancing career opportunities with personal commitments can be challenging, and our process is designed to be flexible and supportive.
Help build the next era of synthetic genomics in an environment where your science, your voice, and your career are valued.
We provide expert in-house advice and guidance on travel and relocation to the UK and beyond. From your initial visa application to extensions and applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain, our dedicated Immigration Team is here to support both your personal applications and those of your dependants and family members. As part of the Institute, this team is committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient process throughout your visa journey. For more details on the immigration support available, please visit: Global Mobility and Immigration Service .
⏰ 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 are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. 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.