Scientific Manager - Tree of Life in London

About the Role: Within the Wellcome Sanger Institute, we have built the WRAP team, producing reference quality eukaryotic genome assemblies at unprecedented scale for a variety of projects. The work of the WRAP team will extend the value of genome assemblies by delivering consistent, high-quality downstream analyses that provide a trusted foundation for scientific discovery. These include assembly quality assessment, read mapping and variant calling, gene and feature annotation, phylogenetic analysis, and others. This role requires someone with a strong grasp of complex data flows and large-scale analysis pipelines, capable of driving delivery through effective team leadership and cross-programme collaboration.

About You: You will join a collaborative, scientifically driven team working at scale to generate, analyse, and interpret genomic data. You are motivated by open science, excited by large-scale genomic resource generation, and keen to make a meaningful scientific impact. This role is suited to someone with previous experience in large scale scientific data analysis. We have a strong publication record and culture of producing open data resources and open-source software development. This role requires an investigative and solution-oriented mindset and excellent communication skills to work effectively within large national and international consortia.

Essential Technical Skills:

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent experience
• Expert knowledge of genomics
• Proven experience in large-scale genomics data analysis
• Proficiency in one or more scripting languages, (e.g. Python or Perl)
• Demonstrated experience in computational scientific data analysis
• Strong working knowledge of Unix/Linux environments
• Knowledge of current sequencing data and technologies
• Experience with running software on a compute farm, cluster, or cloud environment
• Experience with workflow languages such as Nextflow, Snakemake, WDL

Essential Competencies and Behaviours:

• Highly effective at driving work to completion and closing deliverables
• Demonstrable successful project delivery within the immediate team and in collaboration with wider stakeholder groups
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build and maintain good working relationships
• Curiosity-driven and committed to sharing scientific ideas
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Attention to detail and the ability to meet delivery timelines
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to quickly adapt and respond to new problems and ideas

The Tree of Life Programme at the Sanger Institute was established to develop and deliver platforms that transform our understanding of the natural world through high-throughput and high-quality biodiversity genomics. The WRAP team sits within the Tree of Life Assembly team, which leads high quality genome assembly production for major international initiatives. These contribute directly to advancing scientific knowledge of evolution and interactions among millions of the planet’s organisms. To date, we have generated nearly 4,000 high-quality reference genome assemblies and continue to scale our efforts through active development of methods, tools, and pipelines. Our multidisciplinary team of bioinformaticians and software developers works closely with faculty groups and informatics teams across the Programme to enable the smooth progression of genomes through the full Tree of Life Genome Engine.

Other Information: For further information or questions about this role please contact Shane McCarthy.

Application Process: Please apply with your CV and a Cover Letter outlining how you meet the essential skills set out above, why you want to apply to this role and what value/experience you can bring.

Salary per annum: £42,925 - £50,000

Scientific Management job family: Grade 2

Contract Type: 2 year contract

Recruitment Process: Shortlisting w/c 2nd March, Interviews w/c 9th March or w/c 16th March

Closing date: 1st March 2026

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 staff networks to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.

Our Benefits: We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.