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.
Join the Frontier of Generative Biology
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 visionary scientists to help lead the way. We’re hiring a new Group Leader to join our pioneering Generative and Synthetic Genomics Programme, where biology meets AI to unlock programmable, predictive, and scalable molecular engineering.
About the Programme
Our mission is bold: to build the foundations of predictive and programmable biology, enabling the routine synthesis and engineering of genomes. Our world-class programme merges large-scale data generation with artificial intelligence and cutting-edge synthetic genomics.
You’ll join a powerhouse of talent, including Ben Lehner, Jussi Taipale, and Leopold Parts, with an incoming senior machine learning leader and strong links across the Institute’s diverse programmes — Cellular Genetics, Human Genetics, Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation, Parasites and Microbes, and Tree of Life - as well as with Sanger Scientific Operations and Informatics and Digital Solutions.
We’re driving a transformation in biological design and genome synthesis. If your ambition matches ours, we want to hear from you.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking exceptional researchers in one or more of the following areas:
- Protein and cell design and engineering at scale
- AI/Machine learning for biological design
- Synthetic Genomics: HTP genome editing and writing
- Functional and biophysical characterisation of proteins and RNAs at scale
- Chemical biology, enzymes, protein-drug interactions, and high-throughput chemistry
- Sequence-encoded control of gene expression
- Quantitative perturbation biology at scale
- Generative and synthetic biology
Cambridge and London provide by far the strongest scientific and entrepreneurial hub in Europe, and we care about the long-term translation and impact of our research.
The Role: Faculty with Vision and Freedom
These positions offer a 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. Our faculty benefit from flexible, rewarding employment terms, generous benefits, and comprehensive relocation support.
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 collaborative and well-resourced environment.
We appoint faculty at three levels and welcome applications from researchers across all career stages. At this time, we are especially keen to hear from early career researchers ready to establish an independent research programme, however, we are also open to more experienced applicants. As part of our commitment to a diverse and inclusive scientific community, we particularly encourage applications from women, individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, and those with non-traditional career paths.
Group Leader 1 (GL1)
Your first or second group leader role (equivalent to Assistant Professor US / Lecturer UK). Eight-year post, core funded beyond a typical ERC or R01 grant with additional access to funds for large strategic projects. Launch your vision with the freedom to innovate at scale.
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 6.
Group Leader 3 (GL3)
Senior leadership role (Full Professor) helping to shape Sanger’s long-term research strategy. Ongoing tenure 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, 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, high-impact innovation landscape of Cambridge and London.
Application Essentials
Your application should include:
1. CV and full publication list + 3 referees
2. Cover letter summarising your scientific leadership and wider contributions (including diversity and inclusion initiatives and public engagement events)
3. Research vision addressing a fundamental problem (3 pages + 250-word abstract):
- Fit with our programme (direction, ambition and scale) and the Sanger ecosystem
- Why Sanger is the right environment
- What you’ll do that can’t be done elsewhere
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:
- Pre-meets with Operations, Strategy, and Scientific Leadership and Immigration Support
- Scientific Talks (past and future research)
- Panel Interview based on core behavioural competencies
- Stakeholder 1:1s with Group Leaders and Programme leads
We’re here to support your journey from application to integration.
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 — from discovery to design.
⏰ Closing date: Sunday 01-JUN-25
📅 Interviews: Week commencing 30-JUN-25
🔗 Brochure link
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.
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.
Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018. The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.
Every year the Wellcome Sanger Institute supports the visits of dozens of overseas researchers from across the globe to the Genome campus to collaborate, share insights and to undertake ground-breaking scientific research. Our reliable in-house service provides expert advice and guidance to support current and prospective staff, and visitors at various points of their journey. We are able to provide guidance through your entire journey, from initial visa application through to extensions and applications of Indefinite Leave to Remain, the service is proud to support your personal applications and those of your dependants and family members.
For more information about our immigration service visit: https://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/careers/global-mobility-and-immigration-service/
