Management Training Scheme FAQs

Hints & Tips for applying to our Management Training Scheme

  • Take your time to read each question and answer them fully. In your application, present clear evidence that you possess the qualities and skills required.
  • Sell yourself, but make sure your answers are relevant, focused and truthful.
  • We are interested in your drive, passions, and motivations. We want to know about your achievements but also what you have learnt from your experience. 
  • Take the time to review your application before submitting.
  • Check grammar and spelling carefully. Ask a friend or family member to review your application before you submit. 
  • Utilise the information provided both on our website and in the job pack. 
  • Familiarise yourself with our Behavioural Competency Framework and tailor your responses to demonstrate how your experience aligns with our values.
  • If at all unsure, reach out to us. We have a dedicated team looking after all queries/applications please email: mtscontact@sanger.ac.uk 

How do we evaluate applications?

We evaluate applications based on relevant skills and experience to the role as well as interest in the scheme and our Institute. At the Sanger Institute, we have six core behaviours which are required for success in all roles, bringing a common benchmark for ‘how’ we work, which is as important as the outputs we deliver (the ‘what’ we do). We want to know how you would contribute to these behaviours as part of the MTS.

As this is a scheme based on ‘management’ we particularly want to know about your demonstrable leadership skills. At this level, we are looking for leadership skills such as;

  • Motivating and supporting fellow team members,
  • Workload management,
  • Ability to deal with changing priorities.

Process: 

 What you need to apply: 

  • A copy of your CV including relevant experience, qualifications, and achievements. 
  • The MTS job pack to help support your application process 
  • Access to the MTS web page for additional information 
  1. Submit your application and a copy of your CV by 29th May.
  2. If you are successful you will hear back from us by 22nd June with an invite to the Assessment Centre.
  3. The Assessment Centre(s) will be held between 27th June – 1st July. Candidates will only need to attend 1 Assessment Centre day.  
  4. If you are required to attend a second interview after the Assessment Centre you will be invited to that interview by 5th July. 
  5. If you are successful you will hear back by 12th July with an offer. 
  6. All candidates will be communicated to whether they are successful or not, however we regret we will only be able to give feedback to those candidates who have attended an assessment centre.

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to be successful in my application?

Candidates need to be qualified to degree (hons) or equivalent work experience.

Do I need a background in science to apply to the scheme?

No, many of our current and former trainees have come from a non-science background. We encourage anyone interested to apply no matter their background.

What measures have been taken to ensure our recruitment is diverse and inclusive to all?

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, stimulating and rewarding culture where everyone can thrive and diversity is celebrated. This starts with our recruitment process, interviews and assessment centre and continues throughout your work lifecycle with us.

We want to make applying for a vacancy and participation in our recruitment processes accessible to all. We will be available to assist you at any stage of the recruitment process and discuss any potential barriers you may face, in order to find and offer solutions tailored to your requirements.

We encourage you to contact Michelle Craske: mc29@sanger.ac.uk (Recruitment Manager) in confidence to discuss how we can support you. 

We also welcome feedback on our recruitment processes so we can continue to learn and support those who face barriers applying for jobs and attending interviews. If you would like to provide feedback on the recruitment process please contact: mtscontact@sanger.ac.uk 

All interview and assessment volunteers have been trained on our Unconscious Bias course. Our aim is to nurture a culture where employees are supported to reach their full potential and are valued for their differences in thought, background, experience and perspective. To learn more about our EDI Strategy at Sanger Institute see: https://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/equality-in-science/edi-overview/ 

What key dates should I be aware of?

Q&A session: Wednesday 5th 3pm

Assessment Centres: Week of: 27th June – 1st July

How will my application be reviewed?

We evaluate applications based on relevant skills and experience to the role as well as interest in the scheme and our Institute. At the Sanger Institute we have six core behaviours which are required for success in all roles, bringing a common benchmark for ‘how’ we work, which is as important as the outputs we deliver (the ‘what’ we do). We want to know how you would contribute to these behaviours as part of the MTS.

As this is a scheme based on ‘management’ we particularly want to know about your demonstrable leadership skills. At this level we are looking for leadership skills such as;

  • Motivating and supporting fellow team members,
  • Workload management,
  • Ability to deal with changing priorities.

What is an assessment centre and how does it work?

The Assessment Centre is a day (if in person) or a half day (if online) where we invite shortlisted candidates to participate in a variety of activities aimed to measure key skills related to the role. The Assessment Centre usually involves activities such as a group task and an individual interview. There will also be a Q&A session with our current MTS cohort where you will be able to ask them any questions you like.

N.b. We will confirm at a later date whether the Assessment Centres will be online/in person following further guidance from our Campus Management Team.

Am I required to submit a cover letter with my application?

Cover letters are not required, please apply with a CV and answer the questions within the application form as fully as you can.

I live outside the UK, can I still apply for the scheme?

We can only support student visa holders currently residing in the UK.

Will I be offered a permanent position at the end of the scheme?

We cannot guarantee that a permanent position will be offered at the end of the scheme, however we actively seek to retain all our trainees where possible. We have introduced a 3 month buffer period at the end of the scheme to further facilitate trainees finding a permanent position within the institute. This period will be offered to those who have not yet secured a permanent role, this allows trainees additional time to seek a suitable position whilst continuing to build on their existing experience.

Can I choose the departments I rotate between?

We have added a preference section on the application form. By completing this we will try to accommodate all trainees preferred rotations, however this cannot always be guaranteed. All trainees must complete a management operations rotation and a scientific programme/operations rotation during the scheme. This is to give trainees a 360-degree view of the institute, one of the great benefits of the scheme.

How does the interest free loan work and what is it for?

New trainees who are required to relocate will be offered a £2,000 interest free loan which will be paid back via a salary sacrifice, this should be used to help fund expenses of relocation, for example a housing deposit.

What is the expectation towards hybrid working?

All trainees are expected to work on campus at least three days per week. Working arrangements regarding this should be made with the host manager.

Who should I direct my questions to?

If you have a question about any stage of the application process or about the scheme please contact: mtscontact@sanger.ac.uk and one of our team will get back to you.