Google DeepMind Fellowship in Genomics and AI
The Wellcome Sanger Institute, in partnership with Google DeepMind (GDM), has launched a call for the first ‘Google DeepMind Fellowship in Genomics and AI’ representing a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of artificial intelligence and large-scale genomics.
With generous third party funding from GDM, marking their first specific contribution to genomics research via their Academic Fellowship Programme, the GDM Fellow in Genomics and AI will:
- Apply their 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 their ideas into tangible programmes, partnerships, or training opportunities, particularly in collaboration with communities and scientists in LMICs
- Act as an ambassador and point of contact for emerging talent in Genomics and AI
One Fellowship is available, which will be awarded to an exceptional Early Career Researcher (ECR) who wants to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence in biological science and who is dedicated to building capacity at the interface between Genomics and AI, particularly in collaboration with communities and scientists in low and middle income countries (LMICs).
The successful Fellow will be based at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, embedded within a globally recognised genomics research environment, and connected to expertise in advanced AI through co-supervision from an AI expert at a UK university.
The aim is simple but ambitious: To develop novel AI approaches that unlock new insight from large-scale genomic data
With generous third party funding from GDM, the Fellowship package will include:
- 3 years’ Salary and a Research Fund to deliver original research that tackles a pre-defined ‘Grand Challenge’ in Genomics & AI
- A dedicated Outreach Fund to support impact beyond the Fellow’s core research. Both Sanger and GDM are committed to expanding participation in Genomics and AI research. Sanger advances this mission through initiatives including the International Fellows Programme, MPhil in Genomics Science and the Sanger Prize, while GDM has provided scholarship and fellowship funding to organisations since 2017 to them help bring a wide range of experiences into AI and computer science. Reflecting this shared commitment, Fellows will be expected to present a compelling outreach vision. They will lead and deliver ambitious and original activities that build capacity in Genomics and AI, translating their 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).
- A Travel Fund, which will not only enable the Fellow to disseminate research, build networks and raise their profile at conferences and workshops, but will also enable them to serve as an ambassador and point of contact for emerging Genomics & AI talent.
- Opportunities to receive mentoring from senior Google DeepMind researchers
- One time fixed Relocation allowance to support the Fellow in taking up their post
The GDM Fellow in Genomics and AI:
- Will be in the early stages of an academic career – this is a postdoctoral-type Fellowship. Generally, the Fellow is unlikely to be more than 8 years post-PhD on completion of the Fellowship (parental leave, career breaks and other mitigating circumstances will be taken into account)
- Will have completed a PhD in statistics, mathematics, physics, bioinformatics, computer science, data science, genomics with strong computational focus, or another highly relevant life sciences/technical field.
- May have completed a previous period of postdoctoral research
- Will already hold AI/ML/Computer Science skills commensurate with tackling their chosen ‘Grand Challenge’, and will be expected to demonstrate how they will leverage their unique skills and expertise to develop the project further. Provided they possess the essential skills needed for the role, we will welcome applicants whose AI skills have been gained through formal undergraduate and postgraduate training in AI/ML/Computer Science, as well as Life Sciences researchers who have developed their AI skills along the way.
- Will be willing, and excited, to contribute to capacity building in AI and genomics through outreach work and ambassadorial commitments (e.g. teaching and delivering workshops/courses to students, academics and other scientists, and acting as a point of contact for emerging AI talent)
- Will be enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary research environment, where they will frequently act as a ‘translator’ at the intersection between AI/ML and Genomics, or vice versa
- Must ideally be able to start before the end of Dec 2026
- Will also satisfy all of the ‘Essential Criteria’ listed in the job listing on Workday, including those that are not specifically called out above
Those from backgrounds underrepresented in Genomics and AI are particularly encouraged to apply for this call.
Given the nature of this postdoctoral-type Fellowship, and the associated third party funding from GDM, this Fellowship is not suitable for those who:
- Have already held competitive third party funded Postdoctoral, or Early Independence, Fellowships in AI from GDM, Sanger, any partner universities or other Third Parties (e.g. MCSA Postdoc Fellowship, EMBO Postdoc Fellowship, UKRI FLF, or other Career Development Fellowships)
- Have held the equivalent of “tenured”/salaried group leader/professorship-type roles to deliver independent research in any field through a team (this does not exclude those who have had formal line management responsibility at the Early Career “level” (e.g. during their time as a Student/Postdoc)
If you have taken a career break due to, for example, parental leave or illness, please get in touch as we may be able to offer flexibility.
Internal employees interested in applying for this role should apply through the internal Jobs Hub; internal applicants should not already be working in the ‘Grand Challenge’ area to which they are applying.
6 ‘Grand Challenges’ have been pre-defined by members of Sanger Faculty and represent areas where AI is currently underutilised but has the potential to deliver significant societal benefit. It is one of these ‘Grand Challenges’ that will form the focus of the Fellow’s research during the Fellowship.
Applicants will be required to select up to 3 ‘Grand Challenge’ areas of interest early in the application process. In their cover letter, they will then have the opportunity to share how they would further develop their selected ‘Grand Challenge’ leveraging their unique AI/ML/Computer Science background, skills and expertise.
View the Grand Challenges here:
The information below is for guidance only and may be subject to change before we formally open for applications.
We anticipate a large volume of applications for this Fellowship. Applications will be made via Workday only; we will not accept any applications via email. Candidates should also note it is essential to tailor their cover letter to this specific role and the Sanger institute.
Applicants will be asked to:
- State which ‘Grand Challenge’ area(s) they are interested in (up to 3 max)
- Provide a 2-page academic CV
- Provide a 2-page cover letter covering:
- Interest in Genomics and AI at Sanger specifically
- Your AI/ML/Computer Science skills and experience, with examples of how you’ve applied them
- Why you are interested in your chosen ‘Grand Challenge(s)’ and your ideas for developing the project(s) further using your unique skills and expertise
- Your vision, including specific plans, for how you will use the outreach fund to build capacity in Genomics and AI, with a particular focus on collaborating with communities and scientists in LMICs
- How you would be an approachable and inspirational ambassador for emerging talent in ‘Genomics & AI’
- (Optional*) Any suggestions for co-supervisors who must be academics in the AI/ML/Computer Science field at a UK university
*You’re welcome to suggest a co-supervisor, but this isn’t required and doesn’t need to be someone you already know. Suggestions won’t form part of the selection process. We’ll work with you to identify and finalise a suitable match later in the process.
Applications will undergo a 3-stage review process that will likely include:
- Supervisor shortlisting – Review by the Sanger Faculty member of the ‘Grand Challenge’ selected, to identify their single preferred candidate(s)
- Shortlist sign off by the Fellowship Review Panel
- A virtual interview day – on Fri 26 Jun 2026 – hosted by the Fellowship Review Panel
Explore our FAQ here: 2026 FAQ – GDM Fellowship in Genomics & AI
This FAQ is a living document which will be updated with new frequently asked questions throughout the call.
If your question remains unanswered, please get in touch via academicprogrammes [at] sanger [dot] ac [dot] uk
Why bring your AI skills to genomics?
We are building an environment where AI is not just supporting science – it is the science. With one of the world’s largest sources of biological data, high-throughput experimental platforms, and a new institute-wide AI strategy, Sanger offers AI researchers the opportunity to apply advanced methods to some of biology’s hardest and most meaningful ‘Grand Challenges’.
From modelling cellular behaviour and disease progression to genome assembly, spatial biology, and foundation models for global research, Sanger provides real-world scientific challenges where AI can uncover entirely new biological insights, not just optimise existing systems.
The Institute is investing in AI talent, scalable infrastructure, open and trustworthy models, and responsible AI practices, creating a collaborative setting where machine learning researchers can work alongside experimental scientists and see their algorithms directly shape discovery.
For AI researchers looking to move beyond benchmarks and into high-impact science, genomics at Sanger Institute offers a rare combination: massive datasets, ambitious scientific questions, and a mission to democratise AI-driven biological insight for the world.
Why join the Wellcome Sanger Institute?
In addition to the Fellowship package, as an employee of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the Fellow will gain access to the following benefits:
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- The training , careers and networking activities, and support, provided via Sanger’s Postdoc Programme
- Technical training and professional development opportunities provided through Sanger’s core Learning & Engagement programme
- Family-friendly support including an ‘Access Grant’ to cover additional caring costs incurred as a result of attending training opportunities of conferences
- A global mobility and immigration service to ensure that you are supported throughout your time with us.
- Benefits associated with being an employee of the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Our employee wellbeing strategy and programme underwrites the importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and out commitment to reducing work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger.
- A thriving, and expanding, Campus community on the Wellcome Genome Campus
The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world-leading genomics research centre. Our science is collaborative, data-driven, and globally impactful.
Questions?
Email us on: academicprogrammes [at] sanger [dot] ac [dot] uk if:
- You are a prospective Google DeepMind Fellow in Genomics and AI and have questions about the call
- You are an AI/ML academic academic group leader at a UK university and are interested in partnering with us to support our Fellow’s ‘Grand Challenge’
