Return to Science Janet Thornton Fellowship

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.

Are you a Scientist looking to return to research after a career break?

Our Janet Thornton Postdoctoral Fellowship is now open for applications. 

About the Fellowship:

The Janet Thornton Fellowship is open to scientists who:

• Have a minimum of 12 months break from scientific research, for any reason*
• have at least one years’ postdoctoral research experience
• will be able to start within 6 months of being offered the role
• Are not currently working in a scientific research role

*Our Janet Thornton Postdoctoral Fellowship is aimed at those that have taken career breaks for any reason (for example, caring for dependants, ill health or if your career has been negatively impacted by COVID-19).

Joining us as Postdoctoral Fellow:

You will be part of a vibrant international Postdoctoral Fellow community at the Sanger Institute with a wide programme of transferable skills training and excellent career development opportunities. We are committed to:

• Providing an enriching and respectful research environment so you can focus on and enjoy your work
• Mentoring you and providing opportunities for you to network across the genomics scientific community

For more information about being a Postdoctoral Fellow - please visit: https://youtu.be/1-vxm2nBmFA

Last year, we launched a Research Support scheme for our Postdoctoral Fellow researchers returning after extended leave. You can find out more about the scheme here.

Your Career Development:

Our Janet Thornton Postdoctoral Fellowship is a comprehensive opportunity to return to research, with the aforementioned additional funding to further your science. There are also learning and development opportunities to support you in your career such as management in action training, coaching and building impact and influencing others. Our former Janet Thornton Postdoctoral Fellows have transferred to new roles internally or accepted positions externally to progress their careers. You can find out more here.

Essential skills:

• PhD in a relevant subject area (or equivalent)
• Motivation and ambition to make a personal contribution to GRL research
• Team player with the ability to work with others in a collegiate and collaborative environment
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and results to collaborators and present orally groups
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with wide range of persons of differing levels, abilities and knowledge
• Ability to effectively prioritise, multi-task and work independently
• Detailed orientated, strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to personal development and updating of knowledge and skills
• Demonstrates inclusivity and respect for all

Salary:

You will paid in line with our Postdoctoral Fellow pay scale (£35,707- £44,712), dependent on skills and experience. The Janet Thornton Postdoctoral Fellowship also includes research consumables of up to £18,000 per annum, dependent on the nature of the project and a budget of £1,500 per annum for you to attend conferences and training.

Application Process:

• Submit your CV and answer the eligibility questions in the application form here.
• You will have an opportunity to select a project outline, and to highlight a member of Faculty you are interested in working with.
• Closing date for applications: 31st October.
• Interviews will take place week commencing 4th November 2024.
• For more information and application form guidance please see here for details.

Start date:

You should be able to start within 6 months of being the offered the role. The Fellowship runs for 3 years and can be worked full-time, part-time or flexibly.

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.

Every year the Wellcome Sanger Institute supports the visits of dozens of overseas researchers from across the globe to the Genome campus to collaborate, share insights and to undertake ground-breaking scientific research. Our reliable in-house service provides expert advice and guidance to support current and prospective staff, and visitors at various points of their journey. We are able to provide guidance through your entire journey, from initial visa application through to extensions and applications of Indefinite Leave to Remain, the service is proud to support your personal applications and those of your dependants and family members. 

For more information about our immigration service visit: https://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/careers/global-mobility-and-immigration-service/