Head of Tech Dev & Scale-up Delivery | Fixed-term

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.

We have an exciting 12-month fixed-term opportunity to join the newly formed Tech Dev & Scale-up (TDS) Delivery team. This role will work closely with the Associate Director of TDS and will play a pivotal role in driving forward a diverse portfolio of technical development projects, leading a talented team of Development and Senior Development Scientists and fostering effective collaboration across the organisation.

For internal applications, this role is offered as a secondment opportunity.

About the role:

As the Head of TDS Delivery, you will have full line management responsibility for a team of experienced scientists, supporting their professional development and overseeing the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment through to performance management.

In addition, you will:

• Collaborate closely with the Associate Director of TDS to contribute to strategic planning, project prioritisation and effective resource allocation.

• Lead and manage cross-functional collaborations with scientific programmes and operational teams to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality workflows that meet defined objectives.

You will be responsible for:

• Managing the TDS Delivery development project portfolio, ensuring projects are appropriately prioritised, planned and resourced to support delivery of the highest-value activities for the Institute.

• Making effective resourcing and prioritisation decisions, balancing demand, capacity, capability, delivery risk and strategic priorities across the portfolio.

• Overseeing project delivery, ensuring technical development activities progress effectively from initiation through to implementation and transition into routine operation.

• Identifying and managing delivery risks, dependencies and constraints, using strong judgement to ensure challenges are addressed proactively and pragmatically.

• Leading and developing the TDS Delivery team, providing clear direction, effective line management and support for the professional development of team members.

• Working closely with the Associate Director of TDS and key stakeholders to align the team’s activities with organisational priorities and respond effectively to changing requirements and demands.

• Building effective cross-functional relationships across scientific programmes, platform teams and wider organisational functions to enable successful delivery and maximise the impact of TDS.

About You:

You will be a highly independent and delivery-focused individual, with the ability to balance people leadership, project delivery and competing organisational priorities.

You will have a proven ability to initiate, lead and deliver a complex portfolio of technical development projects from conception to implementation into operations, on time and within budget. You will be a proactive and experienced people manager with a strong background in scientific or technical environments. Your leadership style will promote independent working, accountability and continuous development within your team.

You will also bring:

• Strong organisational and planning abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels

• A flexible and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities

About Us:

The TDS Delivery team is part of Scientific Platforms at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Our mission is to support cutting-edge research by developing and delivering high-throughput genomic and cellular technologies.

Our work enables researchers to explore fundamental biological questions, ranging from cancer genomics to biodiversity studies. The TDS Delivery team plays a vital role in piloting and implementing new Genomic & Cellular technologies into routine use, helping to maximise the efficiency, cost-effectiveness and quality of data generation across the Institute.

Additional information

Applications:

Please submit your CV along with a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the criteria outlined above and in the full job description.

If you have any further queries, please contact Ian Johnston ([email protected])

Salary: £65,000 - £88,700 per annum

Closing Date: 11:59pm Sunday, 27th September 2026

Contract duration: One-year fixed term.

Role profile: For the full list of accountabilities and criteria, please click here.

Read more about the institute and how we work here.

Internal Applications:

Secondment opportunities will be considered for this fixed-term position and prior approval from existing managers should be sought in advance of your application.

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.