At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development to shape genomic science and influence decision-making.
- Company: Join a leading genomics institute dedicated to improving human health.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health through innovative policy work.
- Qualifications: Strong background in research and expertise in genomic policy required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 66000 £ per year.
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.
About the role: The Policy Lead plays a key role in leading the execution of the Institute's external genomic policy positions and internal policy development to ensure that Sanger's science informs national and global decision-making. Working within the Strategy team, the role translates analysis into targeted policy engagement activity, while strengthening research culture, good research practice, and institutional positioning across government, funders, and international forums.
You will be responsible for:
- Executing the Institute's external policy positions, drawing on analysis and recommendations to develop targeted policy activity across an array of genomic policy topics.
- Coordinating and leading the Institute's approach to external policy engagement, establishing how, where, and with whom Sanger engages across the policy ecosystem.
- Shaping and implementing the portfolio of policy work, ensuring alignment with scientific priorities and institutional strategy.
- Leading targeted policy activity, using institutional policy positions to influence outcomes and raise awareness of the implications of Sanger science.
- Conducting policy horizon scanning, ensuring emerging genomic policy issues are translated into clear positions and actions.
- Representing the Institute in relevant external discussions, committees, and forums, ensuring Sanger's perspectives are well-understood and aligned with institutional priorities.
- Supporting the shaping of Sanger's long-term policy strategy and driving its implementation.
- Supporting leadership in developing and maintaining strategic relationships with policymakers.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key individuals at Wellcome to ensure alignment with Wellcome policy priorities and advising the Institute Director on relevant developments.
- Reviewing and aligning Institute policies to ensure they reflect and support a positive research culture, including areas such as data sharing and software.
- Ensuring the Institute has appropriate, up-to-date strategic policy and position documentation in place.
- Maintaining internal policies on good research practice, academic misconduct, and any relevant institutional positions such as equitable collaboration.
- Providing expert policy advice to the Director and senior leadership on developments across funders, government, and key external stakeholders.
About you: You are an experienced policy professional with a strong background in academic research and have deep expertise in the complex genomic policy landscape. You thrive in collaborative, complex and intellectually stimulating environments where you can translate evolving scientific developments into coherent and impactful policy positions under time-sensitive conditions. You are comfortable navigating diverse policy ecosystems from internal faculty to government bodies and international forums. You have strong relationship-building and communication skills, allowing you to influence senior leadership and coordinate activity across the Institute to ensure science informs national and global decision-making. You are highly organised, adaptable and capable of shaping and managing a portfolio of policy activity which is aligned with scientific and institute priorities. You enjoy working with senior leaders, researchers and external partners, and are motivated by the opportunity to shape the policy strategy of a world-leading genomics institute.
To excel in this role, you will need the following skills and experience:
- Knowledge
- Significant academic research experience (e.g. PhD) that provides an understanding of research culture and scientific practice.
- Expert knowledge of at least one of the following: diversity in experimental design; reproducibility; data sharing and standards; open access science.
- Deep knowledge of genomic policy issues in science.
- Knowledge of UK and international science funding and policy environments (including Wellcome).
- Strong understanding of research integrity, open science, and good research practice frameworks.
- Experience
- Leading and developing strategic plans.
- Developing and implementing policy positions within a research-intensive or complex organisation.
- Engaging with policymakers, government bodies, funders, or international policy forums.
- Working with internal stakeholders to gather information.
- Skills and Capabilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including production of briefings, consultation responses, and policy documents.
- Ability to identify and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to analyse and explain complex information and identify its key points.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to assess risks, opportunities, and implications of policy developments.
- Experience of working with and influencing senior leadership.
- Strategy & Impact
- Setting and aligning institutional direction across science, operations, people, funding and impact.
- Ensuring coherence across Institute, programme and operational strategies.
- Tracking progress and evaluating strategic impact.
- Policy
- Translating research into policy-relevant insight and influence.
- Positioning the Institute as a thought leader in areas where it has distinctive expertise.
- Advising on the implications of external developments for Institute priorities.
- Institute Partnerships
- Developing and supporting strategic institutional partnerships.
- Increasing visibility of key external relationships across the Institute.
- Creating opportunities for collaboration that enrich science and maximise impact.
About Us: The Strategy team helps shape and align the Institute's direction across science, operations, people, funding and impact. Working closely with Science Programmes, Institute leadership, Wellcome and external stakeholders, the team provides insight, coordination and strategic support to help the Institute achieve its long-term ambitions. The function brings together expertise in strategy, impact, policy and partnerships to maximise the reach, influence and impact of Sanger science.
Our work spans three core areas:
Next Steps: If you're excited by the opportunity to join a newly formed function and help shape how the Institute builds relationships, influences its environment and delivers global impact through science we'd love to hear from you. Please include a cover letter along with your CV. In your cover letter, include detail on how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role described. Interviews will be held in the week commencing 10th August 2026. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be asked to deliver a short presentation during the panel interview.
Additional information: Please note: This is a hybrid role with at least 2-3 days per week onsite. Applications: Salary: £55,000 - £66,000 per annum Closing Date: 11:59pm Friday, 31st July 2026 Contract duration: One year fixed-term.
Policy Lead 12 months fixed-term employer: Wellcome Genome Campus Limited
Open Targets is an exceptional employer located in Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, offering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises meaningful contributions to human health. Employees benefit from a diverse range of projects, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work alongside leading scientists and pharmaceutical partners in a supportive environment. With a focus on data sharing and cutting-edge research, Open Targets fosters an atmosphere where proactive individuals can thrive and make a significant impact in the field of genomics.
Contact Details:
Wellcome Genome Campus Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Lead 12 months fixed-term
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We think you need these skills to ace Policy Lead 12 months fixed-term
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Wellcome Genome Campus Limited and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wellcome Genome Campus Limited
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Wellcome Genome Campus Limited, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
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The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Wellcome Genome Campus Limited.
