Job Description

Salary: £74,960.00 - £93,700

Closing date: Wednesday, 16 September 2026

Contract type: Permanent

Interview dates: 1st stage (8, 9 12, 13 of October) online/Remote; 2nd stage: face to face

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships. 

We committed to spend £16bn in the ten years to 2032, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

We are looking for a Technology Lead, Discovery (Data Linkage and Data Architecture) to join our team. 

Where in Wellcome will I be working? 

The Discovery team at Wellcome focuses on investing in people and ideas that generate new knowledge and deeper understanding of life, health and wellbeing, with the potential to transform how health challenges are identified, prevented and addressed in the future. Through initiatives such as the Discovery Research programme, Wellcome Leap and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the team supports a broad and ambitious portfolio of research, combining flexible funding, innovative programmes and world-leading research to drive meaningful, long-term impact.

A major focus of the Discovery department is to advance our ambition through investments in data, digital tools, technologies and AI as a core capability that transforms how discovery is conceived, conducted, and scaled.

What will I be doing? 

In this role, you will identify and develop opportunities to advance data linkage and architecture in support of Wellcome’s Discovery strategy, leading high-impact data and technology initiatives from concept through to delivery. You will work closely with colleagues and external partners to build strong research collaborations, shape strategic priorities, and help maximise the impact of the Discovery Data for Science and Health team’s work.

As a Technology Lead, Discovery (Data Linkage and Data Architecture), you will be responsible for:

• Identifying and developing funding opportunities in data linkage, data architecture and digital technologies that support Wellcome’s Discovery strategy and maximise the impact of research and innovation.

• Building an expert understanding of the health data landscape, particularly in the UK, to identify emerging opportunities, inform investment decisions and shape strategic priorities.

• Leading and delivering funding activities, including landscape reviews, funding calls, requests for proposals, contracts and discretionary awards, while providing technical expertise throughout the process.

• Developing strong partnerships with researchers, funders, industry and other stakeholders, representing Wellcome externally and fostering collaboration to advance shared goals.

• Working closely with colleagues across Discovery, Solutions, Equity and Policy teams to align priorities, share expertise and strengthen Wellcome’s portfolio of data and digital technology investments.

• Providing leadership and oversight across key initiatives, supporting delivery through matrix management, ensuring high-quality outputs, managing risks and budgets, and contributing to an inclusive and collaborative team culture.

Is this job for me?

This role could be a great fit if you have a strong background in health data, scientific research or digital technologies, along with a deep understanding of the UK health data landscape and how data can advance science and health research. You'll be comfortable leading complex projects, building relationships across research, funding and industry communities, and using your technical expertise to shape strategic decisions. We're looking for someone who is curious, collaborative and adaptable, with excellent communication skills and a desire to learn, grow and help others do the same in a fast-moving environment.

To apply for this role please submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria:

• Demonstrable knowledge of the current state of, and trends in, data linkage, data architecture and digital technologies in science and health research and practice

• PhD, MD or equivalent level of training in a quantitative, computational, clinical, biological or physical science discipline, with a high-level understanding of the data and software systems used and being developed in science and health.

• Experience of working with health relevant or scientific data in a technical and/or strategic capacity.

• Deep domain knowledge of the UK health data landscape, including its key institutions, initiatives, and infrastructure, with Manage relationships with key partners and stakeholders, including prominent players in the UK health data space, to strengthen collaboration and ensure Wellcome's interests are well represented.

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.

You can view the full on our website

You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website

Our Hybrid Way of Working

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at jobs@wellcome.org

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