Head of Research

Join to apply for the Head of Research role at Genomics

Location: Cambridge, Oxford, or London (Hybrid, minimum 2 days per week in office)

About Us

We’re a pioneering health tech company on a mission to revolutionise the way we all understand and support our health. Our mission is simple: to help people, and their doctors, make better decisions that lead to longer, fuller lives. We focus on the common diseases that affect billions, the ones that put the greatest strain on our healthcare systems. Each person is unique, and by decoding the insights in our DNA, we’re building cutting‑edge tools and platforms that enable truly personalised medicine. From prevention and early screening, to diagnosis, treatment, and even the development of new medicines, there is so much more to discover and build to support people at each step of their healthcare journey. With our leading science and brilliant partners, we can make healthcare smarter, more precise, and more personal. Our vision is bold: a world where everyone benefits from genomics. If you’re inspired by the potential of cutting‑edge science and technology and want to have a real impact on the future of healthcare, we’d love to hear from you

A Day in the Life

The Head of Research will be a leader responsible for defining, driving, and overseeing the strategic direction and leading the delivery of our research programs. You will lead a talented team of researchers to generate transformative insights from large‑scale genetic and other relevant datasets.

The role requires deep scientific expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of translating complex genomic data into actionable discoveries that impact drug development, disease understanding and prediction, or product innovation.

The Research Team, under the leadership of this post, will look to keep us at the forefront of Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS), and leading the next generation of risk prediction tools based on wider sets of predictors (for example including ‘omics or wearables data). They will also investigate sophisticated ways that we can utilise areas such as AI and Machine Learning on both sides of our business: in using large genomics and other data sets to drive biological understanding and enhance genetics informed drug development, and in risk prediction and other healthcare applications.

What you’ll do:

• Develop and implement the Research strategy to meet business and scientific goals.
• Provide scientific leadership, including through identifying and prioritising novel research avenues and methodological advancements.
• Stay current on advancements in statistical genetics, genomics, and related fields.
• Lead and mentor a high‑performing team of researchers, statistical geneticists, and AI/ML specialists.
• Oversee the development of cutting‑edge statistical, AI, and ML methodologies and computational tools for analysis of genetic and other relevant data.
• Collaborate with internal teams to integrate Research work into products and services.
• Scope and manage strategic collaborations with external institutions as needed.
• Present research findings at internal and external forums.
• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio through patent applications.

What you’ll bring:

• Deep expertise in statistical genetics or AI/ML: You need significant, top‑tier experience in either field, preferably in a biological, healthcare, or genetics context. Knowledge of the other area is a plus.
• Proven leadership: You must have a track record of building, managing, and leading high‑performing scientific teams and delivering on project goals.
• Methodological mastery: You should have strong expertise in a wide range of statistical genetics methods (like GWAS or Mendelian randomisation) or in AI/ML applications.
• PhD or equivalent experience: A Ph.D. in Statistical Genetics, Human Genetics, Bioinformatics, AI/ML, or a related field is required.
• Experience with large‑scale datasets: You must have worked with large‑scale human genetic datasets, such as UK Biobank.
• Strong publication record: A history of publishing in leading peer‑reviewed journals is highly desirable.
• Drug discovery knowledge: Experience with the drug discovery and development process, from identifying targets to clinical development, is a bonus.

So what’s in it for you?

• Salaries: Our salaries are externally benchmarked annually to ensure you receive compensation that aligns with the market
• Holiday Allowance: 25 days of annual leave, an additional 3‑day company shutdown at the end of the year, plus bank holidays. More time for you to unwind and enjoy.
• Progression – We’ve got a straightforward and open progression framework that lets you easily see your strengths and areas where you can improve. With this knowledge, you can set personal goals to help you move up the career ladder.
• Invest in Your Future: Take advantage of our training and development opportunities. From regular training courses, to access to a wide range of L&D materials. We’re committed to helping you grow and succeed!
• Hybrid Working: Tailored to You: Choose between working in the office and from home. You can be based anywhere in the UK as long as you can get to any one of our offices regularly. As a guide, we expect people to come to the office at least twice a week.
• Wellbeing: Join a company that values you not just at work but also outside work. We offer a range of benefits, including comprehensive health insurance for you and your family, critical illness coverage, and life insurance. We also offer enhanced paid family leave.
• Diversity and Inclusion: We offer our ‘Bank Your Bank Holiday’ program, allowing you to exchange public holidays for dates that hold personal or cultural significance to you. It’s our way of ensuring that every member of our community feels valued and included.
• Giving Made Easy: Make a difference with our payroll giving scheme. Donate to your favourite charities tax‑free and help make the world a better place!
• Green Commute: Join our cycle‑to‑work scheme and enjoy a healthier, eco‑friendly commute. We are also conveniently located by major transport hubs so public transport is a snip. It’s good for you and the planet!
• Keeping it social: There are a variety of company socials to enjoy throughout the year, from regular company town halls, team picnics, outdoor summer activities, sports events, and other events organised by our social committee.

Would you like to learn more? Great, we’d love to chat. Please reach out for more information and to see if this opportunity is right for you!

Genomics is dedicated to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Genomics politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

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