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.

Are you passionate about the impact of genomics on public health? Join us at the Genomics Surveillance Unit (GSU) as the Head of Surveillance Science, where you will lead important initiatives in pathogen genomics that contribute to global health through genomic research.

About the Role:

As Head of Surveillance Science, you will play a pivotal role in applying cutting-edge genomic research to real-world public health solutions. You will lead the strategic direction of the Genomics Surveillance Unit (GSU), managing multidisciplinary teams in translational research and prototype development. Working closely with the Chief Scientific Officer and global stakeholders, you will shape international frameworks that support innovation, collaboration, and the development of impactful surveillance tools.

Key Responsibilities:

• Scientific Leadership: Oversee the pathogens and vector surveillance teams, enhancing GSU's influence with public health partners worldwide.
• Innovation and Insight: Promote new disease-specific insights and methodologies, ensuring our programs in neglected diseases of epidemic potential remain scientifically sound and strategically aligned.
• Collaboration and Strategy: Partner with the Chief Scientific Officer and international stakeholders to develop frameworks that support global collaborations and advance genomic surveillance products.
• Extensive experience and track record in leading and conducting pathogen genomics research with international credibility, and significant experience in the strategic management of research
• Experience in leadership, with direct line management, through inspiring, motivating and influencing
• A research background in infectious diseases
• An understanding of the main issues facing the public health, academic and life sciences sectors
• Experience of facilitating effective decision making in a scientific or complex technical context
• Proven experience in senior managing role
• PhD or Medical Degree in infectious diseases

Competencies and Behaviours;

• An excellent team player, collaborative and diplomatic
• The ability to work effectively in partnership connecting the public, private and academic sectors
• Excellent problem-solving skills - will provide solutions in a complex environment
• Excellent communicator - the ability to present complex scientific, technical information in inspiring, accessible and engaging ways to a lay audience
• Promote and role-model a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, creativity and positivity, driving forward change where necessary
• Demonstrates initiative, creativity, flexibility and a personal ethos of integrity
• Ability to work independently
• Proven communication, negotiation and influencing skills at senior leadership level. Capable of distilling complex ideas and models for a non-technical audiences
• Highly experienced in managing complex stakeholder relationships. Capable of building great relationships with gravitas and confidence

Other Information:

• Salary in the region of: £81-96,000
• Hybrid working: 3 days office based (flexible days)

Application Process:

Please include a cover letter with your application that details your interest and how your skills and experience meet the essential skills listed.

Closing date for applications: 17th August

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.

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. TheTechnician 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.

Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton Saffron Walden, United Kingdom

Published

2025-07-10

2025-08-17 23:59 (Europe/London)
2025-08-18 00:59 (CET)

We are a world-leading genomics research institute. Our work helps improve human health and understand life on Earth.