Google DeepMind Fellow in Genomics & AI

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML) methods to advance a high-impact genomics ‘Grand Challenge’ with the potential for significant societal benefit. Shape the future by applying AI/ML to a research area where it is not currently widely used to catalyse progress, and enable or deliver life-changing science that solves some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

With generous third party funding from Google DeepMind (GDM), marking their first specific contribution to genomics research via their Academic Fellowship Programme, we are recruiting a ‘Google DeepMind Fellow in Genomics and AI’, to:

• Apply your significant skills and expertise in AI/ML/Computer Science to deliver original research that tackles a ‘Grand Challenge’ in Genomics & AI
• Develop and deliver ambitious and original outreach activities that build capacity in Genomics and AI, translating your ideas into tangible programmes, partnerships, or training opportunities with lasting impact, particularly in collaboration with communities and scientists in low and middle income countries (LMICs)
• Act as an ambassador and point of contact for emerging talent in Genomics and AI

About the Team
You will join a collaborative and supportive research environment at the forefront of genomics research. Depending upon which project(s) you apply to, you will become embedded in at least one of our core faculty groups, which span across several of our Science Programmes, and you will receive primary supervision from a core faculty member. You will also receive secondary supervision from a partner based at a UK university. They will be an AI/ML/Computer Science academic and will provide additional expertise, support and mentoring to tackle the ‘Grand Challenge’.

About the Role
Artificial Intelligence AI provides a new and ever-improving ability to unlock insights from genomic and molecular data that can build our understanding of fundamental biology, with benefits for human health, food security, environmental science, and beyond. While Genomics is already rich in AI applications, this role will focus on a ‘Grand Challenge’-style research area, where there is significant potential for transformative advances through the integration of AI/ML with the genomics expertise and ‘big’ data that Sanger is well known for. Alongside this research focus, you will design and deliver ambitious and original outreach activities that build capacity in Genomics and AI, with a particular focus on collaborating with communities and scientists in LMICs.

Fellowship Package
The Fellowship offers a comprehensive support package, including:

• A 3- year salary starting at £51,200 per year, with potential annual increases subject to satisfactory performance
• An annual research fund to support the Fellow’s ambitious research aligned with a defined ‘Grand Challenge’ in Genomics and AI
• A dedicated outreach fund to support impactful, capacity-building activities
• A dedicated travel fund for conferences, networking and collaboration
• Opportunities to be mentored by senior GDM researchers

About You
We are looking for a Google DeepMind Fellow in Genomics and AI to join us on a 3-year fixed-term programme. You will apply your expertise in AI/ML/Computer Science to tackle an ambitious ‘Grand Challenge’ in genomics. This Fellowship is aimed at researchers in the early stages of developing their independence. This may include individuals who have recently completed their PhD or are close to completion, as well as those with non-linear or interdisciplinary career paths.

Essential Skills

• PhD in statistics, mathematics, physics, bioinformatics, computer science, data science, genomics with strong computational expertise (or on track to be awarded within 6 months)
• Experience of analysing and interpreting large biological datasets with strong quantitative/computational skills
• Experience developing, training, and validating ML models
• Experience with large-scale data processing and high-dimensional datasets
• Strong programming skills in R and/or Python and bioinformatics skills
• Expertise in statistical modelling and data analysis
• Proven ability to deliver research projects

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.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.