Senior Tools, Technology & AI Manager

Who you are

• This role could be a great fit if you have significant experience in a research, funding, technology or innovation environment and are excited by the potential of emerging tools, technologies and AI to advance discovery research
• You will bring strategic thinking, effective relationship-building skills and the ability to translate insight into meaningful action, working with a wide range of stakeholders to identify opportunities, shape priorities and contribute to impact in a fast-moving and evolving landscape
• You will be comfortable guiding complex programmes, working through ambiguity and drawing on evidence to inform judgement, with the credibility to engage researchers, funders, industry and technology partners
• A PhD or equivalent research experience, alongside a good understanding of the research and innovation ecosystem, will help you thrive in this role
• A PhD or equivalent research experience, with substantial experience working in a research, funding, innovation, technology or related environment
• Demonstrable expertise in tools, technologies, methodologies and/or AI relevant to health-related research, evidenced through the development, application, adoption, funding or strategic stewardship of these areas
• Experience managing or coordinating complex strategic programmes, portfolios or initiatives, including identifying opportunities, shaping priorities and achieving outcomes across multiple workstreams
• Experience working in a senior research, funding, technology or innovation role within a large organisation, such as a university, research institute, funder, government body, think tank or private sector organisation
• Experience building and sustaining partnerships across organisations, sectors or countries, with evidence of collaborating with stakeholders from academia, industry, technology organisations, government or the research funding community

What the job involves

• This role will lead Wellcome’s work on tools, technologies, methodologies and AI within discovery research, managing strategic investments, identifying new opportunities and building partnerships across the research and innovation landscape
• Working closely with colleagues across Wellcome and external stakeholders, you will help shape a coordinated approach that strengthens scientific capability, informs funding priorities and ensures Wellcome can have the greatest possible impact in areas of emerging opportunity
• Lead Wellcome’s approach to tools, technologies, methodologies and AI across Discovery Research, shaping funding priorities, partnerships and activities that advance scientific discovery and support Wellcome’s mission
• Identify and assess emerging opportunities through horizon scanning, landscape analysis and engagement with researchers, technologists and funders, helping Wellcome invest where it can have the greatest impact
• Work closely with colleagues across Wellcome, including the Data for Science & Health team, to develop a coordinated approach to AI and emerging technologies and maximise our collective influence
• Build and share insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the research community, using evidence to inform strategy, strengthen networks and support decision-making
• Monitor and evaluate portfolio activity, using learning and data to improve Wellcome’s funding, influencing and engagement approaches and ensure our investments deliver meaningful impact
• Foster inclusive, collaborative ways of working by bringing together people with diverse expertise, championing responsible innovation and ensuring emerging technologies can benefit researchers and communities globally

The application process

• Closing date: Monday, 12 October 2026
• Interview dates: 1st stage (5,6 and 9 November) online/Remote; 2nd stage: face to face
• Applications Questions:
• Using examples please provide evidence to demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria for this role as outlined in the job description? (Up to 500 words)
• Using short summaries please provide specific details of up to two different initiatives or projects you have been directly involved in that are relevant to this role. For each initiative or project please use up to 250 words to describe your role (e.g. team leader, team member), the purpose of the activity (i.e. its aims), and the major contributions you personally made

Benefits

• Holiday – 25 days’ holiday a year plus bank holidays (and we usually close between Christmas and New Year)
• Pension (defined contribution plan) – you contribute at least 3% and we pay in 15% of your salary
• Income protection – to maintain your income if you have a prolonged illness or disability
• Life assurance – four to six times your basic salary if you’re a member of our pension plan
• Interest-free travel season ticket loan
• Private medical insurance – we pay the cover, you pay the tax (and you can pay to add dependants)
• Gym and fitness classes – free membership to on-site gym and subsidised fitness classes and treatments
• Employee assistance programme – free, independent 24/7 help and advice for work-related issues as well as problems affecting your home life
• Mental health support – our network of mental health first aiders can be a first point of contact, or help while you're receiving professional help
• Health assessments (free and voluntary) – after you’ve been here for one year, then every two years after that
• Occupational health – annual eye tests and flu jabs, as well as job-related vaccinations
• Flexible working – we make every effort to support flexible working, including flexible working hours and remote working (we respect people's different working preferences and the need for a healthy work-life balance)
• Flexi-leave scheme – you can buy or sell up to five days of your holiday entitlement a year
• Staff social club – a range of sports teams and fun events throughout the year
• Volunteering – we give you up to four days' paid leave a year to contribute to our local community
• Give As You Earn – allows you to make tax-free donations to the charities you care about
• Cycle-to-work scheme – we offer at least 25% discount on bikes and cycling equipment and we have secure cycle storage, lockers and showers
• Subsidised restaurant and cafe
• Wellcome Collection discounts – 20% off food, drink and gifts from our cafe, restaurant and shop
• Discounts through Perkbox – shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, phone insurance and gift cards