Organization: Wellcome Sanger Institute
Location: Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
Employment Type: Full-time
Posted: January 2026
Closing Date: 13 February 2026
Interviews: 16\u201327 March 2026 (excluding weekends)
Reference ID: JR103428<\/p>\n
About the Wellcome Sanger Institute<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Through sustained core funding, cutting-edge platforms, and world-class infrastructure, the Institute enables ambitious science at scale\u2014supporting both independent research and large international collaborations within a vibrant and highly interactive research environment.<\/p>\n
Fellowship Overview<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The fellowship aims to support researchers whose work complements one or more of the Institute\u2019s six research programmes, while introducing new perspectives and areas of inquiry that enrich Sanger\u2019s scientific strategy. Fellows remain based at their home institutions and engage with Sanger through regular research visits and collaboration.<\/p>\n
What the Fellowship Offers<\/p>\n
International Fellows will gain access to the Institute\u2019s unique research ecosystem, including:<\/p>\n
Industrial-scale genomic data generation platforms<\/p>\n
High-performance scientific computing infrastructure<\/p>\n
Extensive operational and technical support<\/p>\n
A productive and collaborative faculty environment<\/p>\n
Global training and capacity development opportunities<\/p>\n
Established international research networks<\/p>\n
Strategic partnership with Wellcome<\/p>\n
Fellows will be awarded:<\/p>\n
A three-year fellowship, with the possibility of two additional one-year no-cost extensions<\/p>\n
A \u00a3100,000 stipend across the full fellowship period (up to five years), usable for:<\/p>\n
Sequencing and laboratory work<\/p>\n
Research staff<\/p>\n
Travel and collaboration costs<\/p>\n
Fellows are expected to spend several weeks per year at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.<\/p>\n
Dedicated support will be provided by the Institute\u2019s International Team, including mentoring, networking opportunities, and assistance with future funding applications.<\/p>\n
Eligibility<\/p>\n
Applicants should typically meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n
Early- to mid-career group leader or faculty member, usually within nine years post-PhD<\/p>\n
Based at a research organization in an LMIC<\/p>\n
Holding (or equivalent to) a faculty-level position and seeking to strengthen or expand a research team<\/p>\n
Applicants with equivalent experience, including career breaks or non-traditional pathways, are welcome<\/p>\n
Research focus must:<\/p>\n
Address priorities relevant to the applicant\u2019s local or national context<\/p>\n
Complement or contribute to the Institute\u2019s genomic research strategy<\/p>\n
Essential Criteria<\/p>\n
Applicants must demonstrate:<\/p>\n
A proposed research project aligned with the Sanger scientific strategy and the field of genomics<\/p>\n
Clear potential to build an independent research portfolio and enhance competitiveness for future funding<\/p>\n
A strong early-career research track record<\/p>\n
Evidence of capacity to drive and contribute to collaborative research<\/p>\n
Alignment with the Institute\u2019s Behavioural Competency Framework, including:<\/p>\n
Leadership and integrity<\/p>\n
Collaboration and communication<\/p>\n
Innovation and results-driven performance<\/p>\n
Fluency in English, with the ability to communicate complex scientific ideas effectively to diverse audiences<\/p>\n
Application Process<\/p>\n
Applications must include:<\/p>\n
A full academic CV (2\u20133 pages), including a publications list and contact details for two referees<\/p>\n
A two-page research plan outlining proposed fellowship research<\/p>\n
A brief cover letter outlining:<\/p>\n
Motivation and suitability for the fellowship<\/p>\n
Intended faculty collaborators at the Institute<\/p>\n
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to:<\/p>\n
A virtual panel interview with Institute faculty<\/p>\n
A follow-up one-to-one discussion with the proposed faculty collaborator<\/p>\n
For further information on research programmes or faculty, applicants may contact: Hybrid Working and Inclusion<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Institute fosters an inclusive culture where individuals are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work and thrive professionally.<\/p>\n Benefits and Wellbeing<\/p>\n The Institute offers a comprehensive wellbeing strategy focused on:<\/p>\n Health promotion<\/p>\n Work-life balance<\/p>\n Stress reduction<\/p>\n The Sanger Institute is also a signatory to the International Technician Commitment, promoting recognition, visibility, and career development for technical staff in research.<\/p>\n For more opportunities such as these please follow us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0,\u00a0WhatsApp<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Telegram<\/a><\/p>\n
[email\u00a0protected]<\/a> or visit here<\/a><\/p>\n