Group Leader - Biodiversity Genomics

Join the Frontier of Biodiversity Genomics - Become a Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

At the Wellcome Sanger Institute, we’re shaping the future of biology — and we’re looking for collaborative, creative, and visionary scientists to help lead the way. We’re hiring a new Group Leader to join our pioneering Tree of Life Programme, using advanced genomics to better understand life’s diversity.

About The Programme

Our mission is bold: to generate data at scale to address fundamental questions about the diversity of life at the genomic level. Our world-class programme merges large-scale data generation with focussed analysis of pattern and process in evolution, delivering to overarching goals of conservation of biodiversity, fueling a biotechnological progress and contributing to the health of human societies.

You’ll join a group of creative faculty including Mark Blaxter, Mara Lawniczak, Joana Meier and Kamil Jaron in the Tree of Life programme, with strong links across the Institute’s other research programmes (Cellular Genetics, Human Genetics, Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation, Parasites and Microbes, and Generative Genomics) as well as with Sanger Scientific Operations and Informatics and Digital Solutions.

We’re driving a transformation in the quality and availability of reference genomes across biodiversity, and in the use of these genomes in understanding biological evolution. If you’re excited by ambitious science and want to work in an environment that values diverse perspectives and inclusive collaboration, we want to hear from you.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re Seeking An Exceptional Researcher Whose Ambitions Depend On Diverse Eukaryotic Genomes And Large Scale Analysis. We Anticipate Recruiting In One Of The Following Areas

• Cell atlasing across biodiversity: The Biodiversity Cell Atlas is a growing initiative that aims to use the technologies pioneered by the Human Cell Atlas (and colleagues in the Cellular Genetics Programme at Sanger) to profile species across the eukaryotic tree using single cell functional genomics methods to reveal cell-type orthology, discover the origins of distinct cell types and reveal the regulatory systems that generate this diversity.
• Phylogenomics at megascale: devising algorithms, engineering toolkits and reconstructing phylogenetic relationships of genes and species, exploiting the power of reference quality genomes

If you are not sure whether your research objectives would fit into the Tree of Life, please do get in touch with Mark Blaxter mb35@sanger.ac.uk to clarify.

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is located in the centre of the largest scientific and startup cluster in Europe and combines the scientific innovation of Cambridge with the business and cultural ambition of London. We care about the long-term translation and impact of our research.

We welcome applicants from clinical, industry, or non-traditional career paths. We particularly encourage applications from women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. We believe our science is enriched by a diversity of perspectives and experiences.

The Role: Faculty with Vision, long-term funding and scientific freedom

We intend to recruit at the Group Leader 2 (equivalent to associate professor) or Group Leader 3 (equivalent to full professor) level. These positions are designed for established scientists and offer a very substantial core package, including a competitive salary and continuous internal funding that enables the pursuit of ambitious, large-scale research without the need for external grants.

Faculty at the Institute are supported by outstanding scientific, technical, and operational teams, allowing them to focus on impactful research and leadership. You will have the opportunity to mentor and develop a growing team within a supportive and collegial environment where collaboration, well-being, and inclusion are prioritised.

The Institute Appoints Senior Faculty At Two Levels

Group Leader 2 (GL2): Mid-career (Associate Professor). Lead a growing core-funded team, shape programme strategy, and drive large-scale discovery. Eight-year post with review in year six leading to promotion to GL3 or departure by year 8.

Group Leader 3 (GL3): Senior leadership role (Full Professor) helping to shape Sanger’s long-term research strategy. Ongoing appointment with six-year rolling reviews. Global research leaders are encouraged to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Substantial, Sustained Core Funding: Focus on the science that matters, not grant cycles. Launch long-term, high-impact research.
• Scale + Technology: Unmatched access to high-throughput science platforms, Scientific Operations, and Informatics infrastructure.
• A Truly Collaborative Culture: Work side-by-side with leading genomics experts in an environment built for cooperation, discovery and translational impact.
• A Supportive, Inclusive, and Flexible Workplace: Relocation and visa support, mentorship, flexible working, family-friendly policies, and a campus dedicated to well-being and scientific excellence.
• A Global Science Hub: Benefit from the dynamic, international, and high-impact innovation landscape of Cambridge and London.

Our faculty and employees benefit from flexible working options, family-friendly policies, generous benefits, and comprehensive relocation support.

Application Process

Your application should include:

• CV and full publication list + 3 referees
• Cover letter summarising your scientific leadership and wider contributions (including diversity and inclusion initiatives, mentorship and public engagement)

Interview Process

We Believe Recruitment Should Be Supportive And Transparent. You'll Meet With Teams Across Science, Strategy, And Operations To Explore Sanger’s Full Potential. Our Process Includes

• Scientific Talks (on past and future research)
• Panel Interview based on leadership, collaboration, and core behavioural competencies
• Stakeholder 1:1 meetings with Group Leaders and Programme leads

We understand balancing career opportunities with personal commitments can be challenging, and our process is designed to be flexible and supportive.

Ready to Redefine What’s Possible in Biology?

Join us at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and be part of a transformative, AI-powered future for life sciences. Help build the next era of synthetic genomics in an environment where your science, your voice, and your career are valued.

For further details about the opportunity, please visit: 🔗 Brochure link

We provide expert in-house advice and guidance on travel and relocation to the UK and beyond. From your initial visa application to extensions and applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain, our dedicated Immigration Team is here to support both your personal applications and those of your dependants and family members. As part of the Institute, this team is committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient process throughout your visa journey. For more details on the immigration support available, please visit: Global Mobility and Immigration Service.

⏰ Closing date: 08 February 2026

📅 Interviews: Week commencing 16th 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 a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.