Lead Adviser, Discovery

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships. We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health. These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won’t be solved by science alone. We are looking for an experienced Lead Advisor to join our team.

Where in Wellcome will I be working? You will be working in the Discovery Executive Office within our Discovery Department, reporting to the Executive Director of Discovery. In Discovery mode, we invest in people generating new knowledge, insights and understanding of life, health and wellbeing. Their discoveries could open new fields of research or transform the ways health challenges are recognised, managed, prevented or solved in the future.

What will I be doing? As Lead Adviser to the Executive Director, Discovery, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the strategic vision of one of Wellcome’s most dynamic and impactful departments. Working closely with senior leaders and cross-functional teams, you will drive forward strategic planning, champion innovative thinking, and ensure Wellcome’s Discovery Executive Office operates efficiently, responsively, and with lasting impact. You will work at the heart of an interdisciplinary and values-driven organisation, influencing decisions that span biomedical science, population health, artificial intelligence, social sciences and beyond. You’ll help translate ambition into action by ensuring effective governance, insightful reporting, and agile decision-making. Your ability to synthesise complex information, spot emerging trends, and work collaboratively across teams will be key to your success, along with a commitment to inclusion and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities:

• Shape strategy and advise senior leadership: Provide high-level input to the Executive Director of Discovery and leadership team, contributing to departmental strategy, planning, and decision-making.
• Lead strategic planning and delivery processes: Oversee organisational objective-setting, programme reporting, risk management and learning processes in collaboration with Discovery & Solutions Operations and other business functions.
• Drive insight and foresight: Stay on top of trends across science, health, technology, and society, and channel insights into briefings, reports, and strategic recommendations.
• Coordinate governance and communications: Develop executive submissions, committee papers, and stakeholder presentations; support internal and external communications in line with Wellcome’s priorities.
• Support high-level projects and operations: Manage discrete projects and ad hoc tasks that support the Executive Director and wider Executive Office, including meetings, action tracking, and collaboration with executive advisers.
• Champion collaboration and inclusive culture: Build strong internal and external networks; foster open, inclusive working practices; and support organisational learning and agility.

Is this job for me? Are you a scientific leader passionate about advancing health research with real-world impact? If you hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a health-related field and have substantial experience applying scientific expertise in practical settings, such as academia, clinical, or innovation environment, this role could be ideal for you. We’re looking for someone who can confidently navigate complex scientific information, communicate across disciplines and seniority levels, and contribute to strategy and delivery. You should be proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working across teams. Experience in the funding or philanthropic sector is a bonus, but not essential.

How to Apply: To apply for this role please submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria:

• Educated to advanced postgraduate level (PhD or equivalent doctorate) in a relevant health related discipline such as biomedical sciences, medicine, public health, engineering, data science, social science or other health-related fields, with formal training in research methodologies and a strong grasp of the scientific language and landscape relevant to discovery research.
• Substantial professional experience applying scientific expertise in a practical setting (e.g. academia, R&D, clinical, or innovation environments), demonstrating the ability to navigate complex scientific information and engage effectively with senior experts across disciplines.
• Proven experience organising and directing multiple teams and departments, including scientific strategy as well as administrative and operational functions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to employ diverse approaches to effectively communicate complex information to individuals and groups from a range of different backgrounds and different seniority levels.
• Ability to make judgements and give advice in ambiguous or complex situations.

Discover More: You can view the full job description on our website. You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website.

Our Hybrid Way of Working: We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best. At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at jobs@wellcome.org.