Executive Director, Discovery

Salary: £400,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: Sunday 22nd September

Founded in 1936, Wellcome is a politically and financially independent global charitable foundation, dedicated to supporting research to improve health, based in London, UK. It funds its work with the returns from an investment portfolio, which is managed in-house and currently stands at £37bn. ​Wellcome’s vision is a healthier future for everyone, which it works to achieve through its mission of supporting science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone.

Wellcome believes in the power of science to build a healthier future for everyone, and its strategy centres on programmes that enable discovery and solutions. Under the current strategy, Wellcome has identified three urgent health challenges facing everyone – Climate and Health, Infectious Diseases, and Mental Health – which need a different approach. It is also deeply committed to funding and supporting open-ended, curiosity-driven research that generates new knowledge, insights and understanding about life, health and wellbeing.

We are now recruiting for the position of Executive Director, Discovery

The Executive Director, Discovery will be a member of the Executive Committee and will be responsible for identifying, enabling, and investing in potential breakthrough research and frontier science to drive significant discoveries across biomedical sciences, humanities, social sciences, clinical research, and physical sciences with relevance to life, health and well-being.

Key responsibilities and tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Overseeing research funding processes and functions at Wellcome

• Creating a dynamic portfolio of discovery research, identifying ‘once in a generation’ funding opportunities that will lead to scientific breakthroughs

• Developing and maintaining close links with external partners, stakeholders and contacts in the UK and global scientific communities and other funding agencies

Wellcome has ambitious goals to improve equity, diversity, anti-racism and inclusion which it is determined to embed across its workforce, and in the delivery of its strategy. As such, applications are actively sought from the broadest range of society, including all under-represented groups.

You can view the full role specification and candidate pack on our website.

To apply please submit a document containing your CV and a short supporting statement.

Wellcome has appointed global search firm Egon Zehnder to support this search. Applications received by Wellcome using the apply button may be forwarded to Egon Zehnder.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications for this position, only those who have been selected for further consideration will be contacted. Details of Egon Zehnder’s privacy policy can be found at https://www.egonzehnder.com/privacy-policy

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. The appointed candidate should be willing to travel internationally.

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 . 

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