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.

A new opportunity to join our team as a Staff Scientist – Quantitative Social Scientist on a fixed term contract (end of September 2026) has arisen. This role is required to deliver on the quantitative social science research and evaluation activities of the Engagement and Society team within Wellcome Connecting Science.

About the role

Wellcome Connecting Science is looking for a motivated and creative social scientist with quantitative expertise to join the Engagement and Society group.

Reporting to the Head of Research and Dialogue, Dr Richard Milne, you will lead your own research on social and ethical questions associated with genomics and biodata research, provide quantitative support to the work of the wider group and work on collaborative projects with colleagues in the UK and South Africa. You will have experience of delivering high quality research that is internationally recognised. You will also keep up to date with a rapidly changing field and represent the Campus with care and sensitivity.

You will be responsible for:

Supporting the delivery of quantitative social sciences research within Engagement and Society research in Wellcome Connecting Science. This will include:

• the independent delivery of research projects within the Engagement and Society team, with guidance from the Head of Research and Dialogue and senior colleagues. These will focus on public and researcher perceptions of social and ethical questions associated with genomics and data science
• supporting quantitative evaluation of Engagement and Society activities
• developing the knowledge and skills of other staff in social scientific methods and findings related to genomics and health, including the training and teaching of others in Connecting Science and potentially in GRL more widely
• presenting and publishing impactful research outputs

About you:

You are an early-career researcher, keen to work in an environment that connects social science research directly with scientific practice and public engagement. You have a record of delivering high-quality research and are comfortable working independently within a wider team, or supporting collaborative projects.

About us:

Wellcome Connecting Science’s Engagement and Society team develop innovative empirical social science research on the social and ethical questions associated with developments in genomics and biodata, with questions of inclusion, equality and social justice at the centre of our work. Our public programming includes a range of events and activities aimed at a variety of audiences, from schools and young people, to public and community groups. We work with a number of regional and national partners to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to explore genomic science and its impact on all of us. We are focussed on creating equitable access to our activities, whether these are in-person or online.

Wellcome Connecting Science’s mission is to enable everyone to explore genomic science and its impact on research, health and society. Drawing on the ground-breaking research taking place on the Wellcome Genome Campus, Connecting Science inspires new thinking, sparks conversation, supports learning, and understands global attitudes and perspectives. We connect researchers, health professionals and the wider public, creating opportunities and spaces to explore genomic science and its relationship with people, and the world around us.

Essential skills:

• PhD in the social sciences, for example in sociology, science and technology studies, anthropology, psychology or science communication
• Proven track record in research on the social and ethical implications of genomic medicine and new medical technologies
• Highly developed quantitative research skills
• Experience of initiating and carrying out independent social science research
• Highly developed communication skills with experience of dealing with people at all levels successfully
• Demonstrable ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Enthusiasm and ability to work independently sometimes under time pressure, to self-motivate, and to deliver work to a high quality.
• A willingness to travel, to support the work of the Engagement and Society team, and to work with colleagues in a range of partner institutions
• Experience of managing own workload

Other Information

Salary in the region of £44-53,000

Click here to apply. Please include a cover letter detailing how you meet the essential criteria listed.

Closing date: 9 September

Hybrid working:

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:

See video of our benefits at the bottom of the application page.

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.