Associate Director of Pipeline Solutions - IDS

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 opportunity for an Associate Director to lead on the provision of critical IT systems to support research and operational science functions within Sanger Institute – a world-leading centre of genomics excellence.

About the Role:
As the Associate Director for Pipeline Solutions, you will lead the strategic planning, development, and delivery of IT systems to underpin our cutting-edge scientific research and operations. This is a pivotal role where you will oversee the IT software, workflow, and data solutions essential for our high-volume, high-impact, and diverse scientific work.

Working closely with our Faculty, Scientific Operations teams, and other senior stakeholders, you will define and execute the IT and Informatics strategies to accelerate our science, ensure operational excellence, and meet evolving regulatory needs. You will also manage a dedicated team of approximately 40 staff, fostering innovation and excellence in the development and support of pipelines and workflows that advance genomics research globally.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the development and delivery of core software, data, and systems, including laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebook (ELN) technologies.
• Collaborating with research and operations teams to design, deploy, and enhance scientific workflows, such as sequencing and spatial-omics.
• Building and developing a high-performing, inclusive team culture that fosters innovation and excellence.
• Working closely with stakeholders to align IT strategies with the Institute’s scientific objectives and optimise resources.
• Representing the Institute in sector-wide initiatives, driving best practices in tools and techniques.

About You:

We are looking for an experienced leader with a passion for using IT to support groundbreaking science. With a proven track record of delivering complex IT solutions in dynamic environments, you excel at engaging diverse stakeholders and leading large teams. You are a strategic thinker who thrives on delivering change, fostering collaboration, and inspiring others to achieve excellence.

We welcome applicants with leadership experience in IT systems, software, or data workflows from a range of technical or scientific fields. Training in genomics-specific tools and approaches will be provided where needed.

Essential Technical Skills:

• Experience of large-scale IT systems and data, in complex environments
• Experience of high-throughput production systems – delivering high-levels of service and successfully introducing new solutions
• Evidence of instituting and delivering change while maintaining people as the key focus

Desirable:

• Knowledge of genetics/genomics software and data or equivalent experience in a technical/scientific field.
• Familiarity with agile delivery principles and product-oriented approaches.

Competencies and Behaviours:

• Excellence in leadership and able to communicate and influence at all levels, including board-level, securing the required outcomes in a complex stakeholder landscape
• Experience of leading large organisations with a proven track record of forming and leading high-performing teams
• Proven track record on delivering change
• Excellent strategic thinking: able to lead on the development and delivery of organisation-wide strategies and roadmaps

About Us:

The Sanger Institute is committed to advancing genomics research to improve lives. As an organisation, we celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive, collaborative culture where everyone feels valued. We share our knowledge and technologies worldwide, driving impact in science. By joining us, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of science.

Our science is large-scale and organised into research Programmes, led by our Faculty who conceive and deliver our science, and supported by our Scientific Operations and IT teams responsible for all data production pipelines, compute and storage facilities at the Institute.

Other Information:

We support flexible and hybrid working, although we would anticipate that this role would need to be on-site at least two days per week.

Why Join Us?

We are committed to fostering a supportive workplace where you are encouraged to grow and mentor your teams as well as encouraging work-life balance, flexible working arrangements, and career progression for everyone, including:

• Family Friendly policies and flexible working options.
• Relocation assistance for you and your family, including comprehensive visa and immigration support. 
• Professional development opportunities (e.g., leadership training, technical workshops).
• A positive and collaborative workplace culture.
• Any additional wellness initiatives, mentorship programs, or community-building activities.

We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups in IT and science, including women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our workplace is a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the role. The deadline for applications is 23rd February. For further information, please visit our careers page.

Salary per annum: From £93,068 upwards dependant on skills and experience

Grade PSG2: Link to Role profile

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 23rd February 2025

Recruitment Process: Face to face Interviews w/c 3rd March 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.

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.