South Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom
Onsite
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.
Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML) methods to advance a high-impact genomics ‘Grand Challenge’ with the potential for significant societal benefit. Shape the future by applying AI/ML to a research area where it is not currently widely used to catalyse progress, and enable or deliver life-changing science that solves some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
With generous third party funding from Google DeepMind (GDM), marking their first specific contribution to genomics research via their Academic Fellowship Programme, we are recruiting a ‘Google DeepMind Fellow in Genomics and AI’, to:
Apply your significant skills and expertise in AI/ML/Computer Science to deliver original research that tackles a ‘Grand Challenge’ in Genomics & AI
Develop and deliver ambitious and original outreach activities that build capacity in Genomics and AI, translating your ideas into tangible programmes, partnerships, or training opportunities with lasting impact, particularly in collaboration with communities and scientists in low and middle income countries (LMICs)
Act as an ambassador and point of contact for emerging talent in Genomics and AI
About the Team:
You will join a collaborative and supportive research environment at the forefront of genomics research. Depending upon which project(s) you apply to, you will become embedded in at least one of our core faculty groups, which span across several of our Science Programmes, and you will receive primary supervision from a core faculty member.
You will also receive secondary supervision from a partner based at a UK university. They will be an AI/ML/Computer Science academic and will provide additional expertise, support and mentoring to tackle the ‘Grand Challenge’. We will help identify and finalise a suitable match with an appropriate secondary supervisor once the Fellow has been selected. You may suggest a potential secondary supervisor(s) in their cover letter at the time of application, but this is not essential and does not need to be a pre-existing relationship. Suggested supervisor(s) will not form part of the selection process.
About the Role:
Artificial Intelligence AI provides a new and ever-improving ability to unlock insights from genomic and molecular data that can build our understanding of fundamental biology, with benefits for human health, food security, environmental science, and beyond. The Sanger Institute’s researchers already recognise how AI-powered technologies are transforming genomics from analysing different species’ genomes to extracting insights from large multi-omics datasets — which combine many types of biological information such as genes, RNA, proteins and metabolites —and conducting experiments that, with the help of AI, elucidate fundamental biological processes. While Genomics is already rich in AI applications, this role will focus on a ‘Grand Challenge’-style research area, where there is significant potential for transformative advances through the integration of AI/ML with the genomics expertise and ‘big’ data that Sanger is well known for. Alongside this research focus, you will design and deliver ambitious and original outreach activities that build capacity in Genomics and AI, with a particular focus on collaborating with communities and scientists in LMICs. You will also act as an ambassador for emerging talent in these fields.
Fellowship Package:
You’ll have the opportunity not only to advance cutting-edge research, but also to create lasting impact through outreach, partnerships, and training initiatives.
The Fellowship offers a comprehensive support package, including:
A 3- year salary starting at £51,200 per year, with potential annual increases subject to satisfactory performance
An annual research fund to support the Fellow’s ambitious research aligned with a defined ‘Grand Challenge’ in Genomics and AI
A dedicated outreach fund* to support impactful, capacity-building activities
A dedicated travel fund** for conferences, networking and collaboration
Opportunities to be mentored by senior GDM researchers (although GDM will not direct the research programme)
*Both Sanger and GDM are committed to expanding participation in genomics and AI. Sanger advances this mission through initiatives including the International Fellows Programme, MPhil in Genomics Science and the Sanger Prize. Since 2017, GDM has funded scholarships and Fellowships aimed at bringing a wider range of experiences into AI and computer science. Reflecting this shared commitment, a dedicated Outreach Fund to support impact beyond the Fellow’s core research. Through a compelling outreach vision, Fellows will lead and deliver ambitious and original activities that build capacity in Genomics and AI, translating their ideas into tangible programmes, partnerships, or training opportunities with lasting impact, in collaboration with communities and scientists in LMICs.
**In addition, a Travel Fund will support attendance at conferences and workshops, enabling you to disseminate your research, expand your professional network, and raise your profile. Through these activities, you will also act as an ambassador and key point of contact for emerging talent in genomics and AI.
You will also gain access to a wealth of training, careers and networking activities, and support, provided via Sanger’s core Learning & Engagement function and its active Postdoc Programme.
About you:
We are looking for a Google DeepMind Fellow in Genomics and AI to join us on a 3-year fixed-term programme.
You will apply your expertise in AI/ML/Computer Science to tackle an ambitious ‘Grand Challenge’ in genomics. While prior experience in genomics or life sciences is not essential, it would be beneficial. Provided you possess the essential skills needed for the role, we will welcome applicants whose AI skills have been gained through formal undergraduate and postgraduate training in AI/ML/Computer Science, as well as Life Sciences researchers who have developed their AI skills along the way.
This Fellowship is aimed at researchers in the early stages of developing their independence. This may include individuals who have recently completed their PhD or are close to completion, as well as those with non-linear or interdisciplinary career paths. Your PhD will be in a relevant technical field such as statistics, mathematics, physics, bioinformatics, computer science, data science, genomics with strong computational expertise, or other highly relevant life sciences/technical field.
This Fellowship is not suitable for those who have already held competitive third party funded Postdoctoral, or early independence, Fellowships in AI from GDM, Sanger, any partner universities or other third parties (e.g. MCSA Postdoc Fellowship, EMBO Postdoc Fellowship, UKRI FLF, or other Career Development Fellowships), nor those who have held the equivalent of “tenured”/salaried group leader roles to deliver independent research in any field through a team.
We recognise that career journeys vary. If you have taken a break (for example, due to parental leave, caring responsibilities, or health reasons), or are unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to get in touch.
We are ideally looking for someone who can start before the end of December 2026, in accordance with the Fellowship’s funding terms.
Essential Skills:
PhD in statistics, mathematics, physics, bioinformatics, computer science, data science, genomics with strong computational expertise, or other highly relevant life sciences/technical field (or on track to be awarded said PhD within 6 months of starting the role)
Knowledge, skills and experience appropriate to the technical needs of the research project e.g.:
Experience of analysing and interpreting large biological datasets with strong quantitative/computational skills
Experience developing, training, and validating ML models, as well as applying existing tools
Experience with large-scale data processing and high-dimensional datasets
Strong programming skills in R and/or Python and bioinformatics skills
Expertise in statistical modelling and data analysis
Proven ability to deliver research projects
A track record demonstrating research excellence and expertise in your area of research
Competency/Behavioural skills:
Foster an inclusive culture where all can thrive and diversity is celebrated
Motivation and ambition to make a personal contribution to Sanger Institute research
Team player with the ability to work with others in a collegiate and collaborative environment
Enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary research environment, where you will frequently act as a ‘translator’ at the intersection between AI/ML and Genomics, or vice versa
Strong influencing skills to engage internal and external stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines
Effective communication skills - including ability to communicate AI/ML concepts to biologists and other non-specialists, and present ideas and results in compelling formats (e.g. in conference posters and oral presentations)
Motivation to build capacity in AI and Genomics, particularly in collaboration with communities and scientists in LMICs, through outreach such as teaching and delivering workshops or courses to students, academics and scientists
Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with wide range of persons of differing levels, abilities and knowledge
Ability to prioritise, multi-task and work independently
Detail-orientated, strong organisational and problem-solving skills
Commitment to personal development and updating of knowledge and skills
For further details, please see the role profile.
Application process:
Before applying, please take a moment to read the application guidance carefully. We expect a high level of interest in this Fellowship, so it’s important that your application is clearly tailored to both the role and the Sanger Institute.
Your application should include:
A 2 page Academic CV
A 2 x A4 page max cover letter that tells us about:
What interests you about Genomics and AI at Sanger specifically
Your AI/ML/Computer Science skills and experience, with examples of how you’ve applied them
Why you are interested in your chosen ‘Grand Challenge(s)’ and your ideas for developing the project(s) further using your unique skills and expertise
(Optional***) Any suggestions for secondary supervisors who must be academics in the AI/ML/Computer Science field at a UK university
Your vision, including specific plans, for how you will use the outreach fund to build capacity in Genomics and AI, with a particular focus on collaborating with communities and scientists in LMICs
How you would be an approachable and inspirational ambassador for emerging talent in ‘Genomics & AI’
***You’re welcome to suggest a secondary supervisor, but this isn’t required and doesn’t need to be someone you already know. Suggestions won’t form part of the selection process. We’ll work with you to identify and finalise a suitable match later in the process.
Additional information:
There is 1 Fellowship available through this call
The selection process has 3 stages:
Stage 1: Applications will be triaged by the lead supervisors for your chosen ‘Grand Challenge(s)’. They’ll be looking at how well your skills align with the project and how clearly you’ve addressed the points above. Due to the expected volume of applications, only a subset of candidates will progress to the next stage.
Stage 2: The Fellowship Review Panel will shortlist candidates for interview.
Stage 3: Shortlisted candidates will participate in a virtual interview day, which is due to take place on Zoom on Fri 26 Jun. Please hold the interview date if you are applying as it is not flexible.
Internal employees interested in applying for this role should apply through the internal Jobs Hub; internal applicants should not already be working in the ‘Grand Challenge’ area to which they are applying.
If you have any questions about eligibility or anything else, we recommend taking a look at the FAQ on the GDM Fellowship webpage first. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to email us.
Salary per annum: Starting at £ 51,200, with potential annual increases subject to satisfactory performance
Closing Date: 3rd June 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, Gender Equity 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 believe people do their best work when they can be their authentic selves. 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.
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