Group Leader - Biodiversity Genomics

Apply for the Group Leader – Biodiversity Genomics at the Wellcome Sanger Institute

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Shape the future of biology by leading cutting‑edge research in genomics that addresses biodiversity, conservation, biotechnology, and human health.

The Tree of Life Programme generates data at scale to answer fundamental questions about the diversity of life. Its world‑class sequence production is paired with focused analyses of evolution, providing insights for conservation, biotechnological progress, and human well‑being.

We seek a visionary researcher with a track record in large‑scale genomic analysis and a commitment to inclusive, collaborative science. Potential research areas include:

• Cell atlasing across biodiversity: developing single‑cell functional genomics methods to profile cell types across the eukaryotic tree.
• Phylogenomics at megascale: designing algorithms, building toolkits, and reconstructing phylogenetic relationships using reference‑quality genomes.
• Biodiversity AI: using deep learning to discover genome organization rules, predict gene structure and regulatory systems.
• Applied biodiversity genomics: translating genomic data into conservation, landscape ecology, bioengineering, or other high‑impact fields.

You will be appointed as a Group Leader 2 (associate professor) or Group Leader 3 (full professor). These core‑funded positions provide substantial salaries, internal funding, and scientific freedom without the pressure of external grant cycles.

• Lead a growing core‑funded group.
• Shape programme strategy and drive large‑scale discovery.
• Mentor and develop a growing team within a collaborative, inclusive environment.

• Substantial, sustained core funding that frees you from grant cycles.
• Access to high‑throughput platforms, Informatics, and scientific operations.
• A collaborative culture built on cooperation, discovery, and translational impact.
• Inclusive workplace with relocation and visa support, flexible working, family‑friendly policies, and well‑being resources.
• A global hub within Cambridge and London, benefiting from an international innovation landscape.

• CV, publication list, and contact details for three referees.
• Cover letter summarising your scientific leadership, diversity and inclusion initiatives, mentorship, and public engagement.
• Research vision (3 pages + 250‑word abstract) addressing a fundamental problem and explaining why the Wellcome Sanger Institute is the right environment.
• Explanation of what you will achieve at Sanger that cannot be done elsewhere.

• Scientific talks on past and future research.
• Panel interview assessing leadership, collaboration, and core behavioural competencies.
• Stakeholder 1:1 meetings with Group Leaders and Programme leads.

We actively seek applicants from underrepresented groups, including women, people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities. All candidates are considered without discrimination.

Flexible working options, family‑friendly policies, generous benefits, and comprehensive relocation support.

Location:

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Closing date: 08 February 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 16th March 2026