Head of Long Read Sequencing Services

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 are offering an exciting opportunity to join the Sequencing Operations team (SeqOps) as the Head of Long Read Sequencing on a 24-month contract at Wellcome Sanger Institute. This role is key in driving operational sequencing delivery, ensuring a customer-focused approach and timely service delivery.

About the Role:

As the Head of Long Read Sequencing, you will have full line management responsibility for a diverse operational team delivering sequencing data using Long Read sequencing technologies, handling samples from initial extractions through to sequencing. You will ensure the team provides high-quality leading-edge services to our faculty groups.

In addition, you will:

• Build effective relationships with programme stakeholders to ensure project/service support is first class
• Collaborate closely with the Technical Development team to ensure the smooth deployment of new pipelines into operations

About You:

You will be a proactive and experienced people manager with a strong background in scientific or technical environments. You will have a proven track record in leading diverse, high-performing teams, with the ability to navigate complex issues and drive continuous improvement. You will have experience in resource management and planning to ensure work is delivered on time and within budget.

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

Essential Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of workflow and the application of LEAN methodologies
• Previous experience leading and driving change projects and implementing technologies into operational environments
• Proven management experience line managing a team/multiple teams in a service delivery environment
• Previous demonstrable experience in managing complex cross-team functions or projects
• Proven experience in developing KPIs and reporting of operational metrics data
• Proven experience managing and delivering a continuous improvement culture

Essential Competencies and Behaviours:

• Excellent communication skills with experience of dealing with people at all levels successfully
• Proven ability to manage conflicting demands
• Proven track record in managing, mentoring, coaching and developing others
• Proven experience and ability of working in a constantly changing environment holding the responsibility to interpret management information, amend plans and act
• Strong customer focus, especially with regard to quality, service delivery and issue resolution

About Us:

Sequencing Operations (SeqOps) is part of Scientific Operations at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Our mission is to support cutting-edge research by developing and delivering high-throughput genomic sequencing technologies.

Our work enables researchers to explore fundamental biological questions—ranging from cancer genomics to biodiversity studies. The SeqOps team is responsible for delivering high-quality sequencing data and supporting the implementation of new sequencing technologies.

Application Process:

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation for applying and demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria. Be sure to highlight your suitability for the role, referencing the criteria listed above and detailed in the job description.

• Salary per annum: £63,985 to £86,000 dependent upon skills and experience
• Scientific Management job family: PSG4
• Recruitment Process: Shortlisting w/c 22nd Sept, Interviews w/c 29th Sept or w/c 6th Oct
• Contract Type: 2 years fixed term contract
• Closing Date: 21st September 2025

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 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.