Technology Lead, Discovery (Data Linkage and Data Architecture) in London

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 are committed to spend £16bn in the ten years to 2032, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

We are looking for a Technology Lead, Discovery (Data Linkage and Data Architecture) to join our team. The Discovery team at Wellcome focuses on investing in people and ideas that generate new knowledge and deeper understanding of life, health and wellbeing, with the potential to transform how health challenges are identified, prevented and addressed in the future. Through initiatives such as the Discovery Research programme, Wellcome Leap and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the team supports a broad and ambitious portfolio of research, combining flexible funding, innovative programmes and world-leading research to drive meaningful, long-term impact.

A major focus of the Discovery department is to advance our ambition through investments in data, digital tools, technologies and AI as a core capability that transforms how discovery is conceived, conducted, and scaled.

What will I be doing?

You will lead the design and delivery of digital technologies for data linkage and architecture within the Discovery Data for Science and Health team, shaping projects that advance Wellcome’s strategy. In doing so, you will provide strategic leadership across key initiatives and build collaborative research relationships both within Wellcome and with external partners to support the team’s broader objectives.

As a Technology Lead, Discovery (Data Linkage and Data Architecture), you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of data linkage, data architecture and digital technology projects that advance Wellcome’s strategy and support cross-team priorities.
• Take an entrepreneurial approach to identifying, shaping and evaluating opportunities, using insights from a broad range of disciplines, sectors and partners to inform strategic direction.
• Build a strong understanding of Discovery initiatives and use this to align projects with shared objectives and identify opportunities for greater impact.
• Provide expert technical advice and help shape a coherent portfolio of digital technologies across current and future funding, working closely with colleagues across Discovery and Solutions.
• Design and manage funding activities, including landscaping, funding calls, contracts and awards, ensuring decisions are evidence-based, compliant and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Lead and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive culture by supporting colleagues, managing resources and risks effectively, and ensuring delivery within agreed budgets and organisational policies.

Is this job for me?

This role could be a good fit if you bring strong technical experience in data and digital technologies within science or health, combined with the ability to deliver complex projects in large, collaborative environments. You will be comfortable working across disciplines and sectors, using your analytical, communication and relationship-building skills to drive impact in a dynamic and evolving landscape. You will also be proactive, adaptable and motivated to learn, able to manage competing priorities while thinking creatively and contributing to an inclusive, collaborative team culture.

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:

• Demonstratable knowledge of the current state of, and trends in, data linkage, data architecture and digital technologies in science and health research and practice.
• Training in a quantitative, computational discipline with a high-level understanding of the data and software systems used and being developed in science and health.
• Experience of working in a technical capacity with health-relevant or scientific data, delivering complex work against agreed objectives in large organisations, and managing projects with universities, funders, and other scientific and research organisations and communities.

Application Questions:

Using examples please provide evidence to demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria for this role as outlined in the job description? (Up to 500 words)

Using short summaries please provide specific details of up to two different initiatives or projects you have been directly involved in that are relevant to this role. For each initiative or project please use up to 250 words to describe your role (e.g. team leader, team member), the purpose of the activity (i.e. its aims), and the major contributions you personally made.

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 is at the heart of everything we do

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.