Organization: Wellcome Sanger Institute
Location: Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
Employment Type: Full-time
Posted: January 2026
Closing Date: 13 February 2026
Interviews: 16–27 March 2026 (excluding weekends)
Reference ID: JR103428

About the Wellcome Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is an internationally leading genomic research centre dedicated to improving human health and advancing understanding of life on Earth. Based on the Wellcome Genome Campus near Cambridge, the Institute brings together over 1,300 staff, including more than 30 core faculty teams, working across a wide range of genomic and genetic science.

Through sustained core funding, cutting-edge platforms, and world-class infrastructure, the Institute enables ambitious science at scale—supporting both independent research and large international collaborations within a vibrant and highly interactive research environment.

Fellowship Overview

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is inviting applications from exceptional early- to mid-career scientists based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to join its scientific portfolio as International Fellows. Up to six fellowships are available.

The fellowship aims to support researchers whose work complements one or more of the Institute’s six research programmes, while introducing new perspectives and areas of inquiry that enrich Sanger’s scientific strategy. Fellows remain based at their home institutions and engage with Sanger through regular research visits and collaboration.

What the Fellowship Offers

International Fellows will gain access to the Institute’s unique research ecosystem, including:

Industrial-scale genomic data generation platforms

High-performance scientific computing infrastructure

Extensive operational and technical support

A productive and collaborative faculty environment

Global training and capacity development opportunities

Established international research networks

Strategic partnership with Wellcome

Fellows will be awarded:

A three-year fellowship, with the possibility of two additional one-year no-cost extensions

A £100,000 stipend across the full fellowship period (up to five years), usable for:

Sequencing and laboratory work

Research staff

Travel and collaboration costs

Fellows are expected to spend several weeks per year at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

Dedicated support will be provided by the Institute’s International Team, including mentoring, networking opportunities, and assistance with future funding applications.

Eligibility

Applicants should typically meet the following criteria:

Early- to mid-career group leader or faculty member, usually within nine years post-PhD

Based at a research organization in an LMIC

Holding (or equivalent to) a faculty-level position and seeking to strengthen or expand a research team

Applicants with equivalent experience, including career breaks or non-traditional pathways, are welcome

Research focus must:

Address priorities relevant to the applicant’s local or national context

Complement or contribute to the Institute’s genomic research strategy

Essential Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

A proposed research project aligned with the Sanger scientific strategy and the field of genomics

Clear potential to build an independent research portfolio and enhance competitiveness for future funding

A strong early-career research track record

Evidence of capacity to drive and contribute to collaborative research

Alignment with the Institute’s Behavioural Competency Framework, including:

Leadership and integrity

Collaboration and communication

Innovation and results-driven performance

Fluency in English, with the ability to communicate complex scientific ideas effectively to diverse audiences

Application Process

Applications must include:

A full academic CV (2–3 pages), including a publications list and contact details for two referees

A two-page research plan outlining proposed fellowship research

A brief cover letter outlining:

Motivation and suitability for the fellowship

Intended faculty collaborators at the Institute

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to:

A virtual panel interview with Institute faculty

A follow-up one-to-one discussion with the proposed faculty collaborator

For further information on research programmes or faculty, applicants may contact:
[email protected] or visit here

Hybrid Working and Inclusion

The Wellcome Sanger Institute supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate. The Institute is deeply committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, with active staff networks supporting LGBTQ+, disability, race equity, and parents and carers.

The Institute fosters an inclusive culture where individuals are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work and thrive professionally.

Benefits and Wellbeing

The Institute offers a comprehensive wellbeing strategy focused on:

Health promotion

Work-life balance

Stress reduction

The Sanger Institute is also a signatory to the International Technician Commitment, promoting recognition, visibility, and career development for technical staff in research.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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