Head of Programme- Somatic Genomics

We are seeking an internationally recognised scientific leader to direct the Wellcome Sanger Institute’s flagship research domain. This role offers the opportunity to define and deliver a bold, long-term scientific vision for understanding how somatic mutations arise, accumulate and shape human health across the lifespan.

• Experience leading and developing scientific teams or research groups, with the ability to empower, mentor and support people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to set a pioneering and forward-looking scientific vision for the Programme, and articulate a long-term strategic plan to deliver on that vision.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive, respectful and values-led leadership, fostering an environment where people feel supported to do their best work.
• Evidence of successful teamwork and partnership-building across scientific, clinical, technical or industry communities.
• Ability to work openly and constructively as part of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to institutional strategy, planning and decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills tailored to diverse audiences, with the ability to engage transparently and collaboratively across all levels of the organisation.
• Experience contributing to or leading complex, interdisciplinary programmes.
• Ability to work adaptively and proactively with operational, technical and informatics colleagues to ensure effective programme delivery.
• Understanding of responsible research practice, data governance and the stewardship of shared scientific resources.
• Commitment to creating a culture grounded in openness, teamwork, adaptability and pioneering science, in line with the Institute’s values.
• Ability to champion inclusive research culture through your leadership style, decision-making, and day-to-day interactions.
• Willingness to actively contribute to organisational culture, including Sanger citizenship activities, Culture & Inclusion initiatives and Research Environment priorities.
• Experience developing or contributing to external funding, partnerships or major collaborative initiatives, appropriate to career stage.
• Ability to represent the Programme and Institute externally, strengthening strategic relationships with academic, clinical, industry and funding partners.

A CV outlining your professional experience, research achievements, leadership roles, collaborations, and contributions to your field is required. A statement (up to 3 pages), plus a 250-word summary, describing the scientific direction and ambitions you would set for the programme, including its potential scientific and societal impact; how you would enable delivery and outcomes through leadership, collaboration and governance; and, briefly, how you would establish effective and inclusive ways of working is also needed.

Your application will be assessed against our Faculty Model, with consideration of your scientific achievements and impact, programme and leadership experience, and your ability to operate effectively at a senior level. This includes evidence, demonstrated through your experience and examples, aligned to our values of Collaboration, Communication, Innovation, Integrity, Leadership and Results, and our principles of Adaptability, Openness, Pioneering and Teamwork.

• Scientific Talks (past and future research)
• Panel Interview based on leadership, collaboration, and core behavioural competencies and values. The interview panel will comprise of internal leaders and representation from our collaborators.
• Stakeholder 1:1s with Group Leaders and Programme Leads.

We welcome applications from candidates based anywhere in the world. This role is based in the UK, with relocation support available where required.

The Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative in March 2018. The initiative aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

We offer an attractive benefits package at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. We appreciate the importance of achieving work-life balance and support this with a number of family and carer-friendly policies, plus a flexible working policy for those who may wish to amend their working pattern or arrangement.