Janet Thornton Fellowships

Janet Thornton Fellowships is sponsored by Wellcome Trust. Supports researchers to develop their independent research careers.

Archived Page: The Janet Thornton Fellowship Archived Page: The Janet Thornton Fellowship Careers | Find us | Contact us Careers and Study Careers and Study Working at the Sanger Institute is truly unique. We put collaboration, innovation and support for people as individuals at the centre of everything we do.

Join us to help shape the future by delivering life-changing science with the reach, scale, and creativity to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges. We tackle some of the most difficult challenges in genomic research. This demands science at scale; a visionary and creative approach to research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding in ever new and exciting ways.

Careers Join our community of world class thinkers and professionals at the Sanger Institute located in Cambridge. Together we achieve life-changing science. Study We are committed to training the next generation of pioneering genome scientists and clinicians.

At the Wellome Sanger Institute we give PhD students and postdocs all the tools they need to succeed in the field of genomics research. Our vision and mission is to deliver world-leading genomics research in collaboration with research partners across the globe. Discover how our funding gives our leadership the independence to conduct bold, ambitious science that pioneers new fields in health, disease and conservation.

We tackle some of the most difficult challenges in genomic research. This demands science at scale; a visionary and creative approach to research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding in ever new and exciting ways. Our Vision and Strategy By focusing on fundamental discovery research led by our faculty and employing our unique scale in cutting-edge data generation and analysis, we deliver discoveries not easily made elsewhere.

Impact From providing fundamental resources for understanding biology to exploring cancer genomes and the effects of variation in human genomes, our work lays the foundations for personalised medicine. We also reveal the secrets of human development and how infectious diseases evolve and spread.

Leadership and Governance Discover how our leadership and structures are designed to enable holistic and effective decision making, with transparency and accountability woven into their make up. Funding Since 1992, Wellcome has invested in the Sanger Institute to deliver bold, long-term discovery science at scale, by developing and deploying high-calibre people and technologies.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Equity, Diversity and Inclusion The diversity in skills and knowledge that we all bring make our Institute the thriving ideas factory that it is. Discover how we support each other to reach our full potential and thrive. We celebrate diversity and seek to ensure that everyone has equal access to professional and career development opportunities.

We tackle some of the most difficult challenges in genomic research. This demands science at scale; a visionary and creative approach to research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding in ever new and exciting ways. We play a pivotal role in helping to shape Government and International research policies.

We also lead the way in developing guidance to support our scientists to carry out their research ethically, equitably and responsibly. We tackle some of the most difficult challenges in genomic research. This demands science at scale; a visionary and creative approach to research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding in ever new and exciting ways.

Influencing Policy We advise all levels of government both in the UK and across the world on the the role, impact and importance of genomic and life science research. Research Policies Our policies help our researchers carry out their science collaboratively, equitably, ethically and responsibly. Admin Groups Admin Groups Browse our management and support operations teams that facilitate the Sanger Institute’s science.

We tackle some of the most difficult challenges in genomic research. This demands science at scale; a visionary and creative approach to research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding in ever new and exciting ways. Campus Connections Campus Connections We are sited on the Wellcome Genome Campus at the very heart of a global hub of fundamental and applied genomic research, education and engagement.

It is home to some of the world’s foremost institutes and organisations using genomes and biodata to deliver science with the reach, scale and imagination to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges and maximise societal benefit. We tackle some of the most difficult challenges in genomic research.

This demands science at scale; a visionary and creative approach to research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding in ever new and exciting ways. We tackle some of the most difficult challenges in genomic research. This demands science at scale; a visionary and creative approach to research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding in ever new and exciting ways.

We tackle some of the most difficult challenges in genomic research. This demands science at scale; a visionary and creative approach to research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding in ever new and exciting ways. Our research is organised into six primary Scientific Programmes, each defining a major area of research with a particular biological, disease, analytic or generative focus.

In addition, our Associate Research programmes pioneer new approaches to studying health and disease. Our science is organised into six Scientific Programmes, each defining a major area of research with a particular biological, disease, analytic or generative focus. Associate Research Programmes Browse the research, scientific and support teams in the Sanger Institute.

Our science is organised into six Scientific Programmes, each defining a major area of research with a particular biological, disease, analytic or generative focus. Collaborations Collaborations Explore the national, international and global research projects and collaborations we either lead or actively contribute to.

Our science is organised into six Scientific Programmes, each defining a major area of research with a particular biological, disease, analytic or generative focus. Browse our genomic and genetic data resources and repositories. Our science is organised into six Scientific Programmes, each defining a major area of research with a particular biological, disease, analytic or generative focus.

Software and Resources Software and Resources We freely and openly provide the global research community with a wide range of genomics software, protocols, and platforms. Our science is organised into six Scientific Programmes, each defining a major area of research with a particular biological, disease, analytic or generative focus.

Publications Publications The Sanger Institute has published papers in some of the most prestigious scientific journals. We aim to publish research that will transform biology and improve healthcare. Our science is organised into six Scientific Programmes, each defining a major area of research with a particular biological, disease, analytic or generative focus.

Research Policies Research Policies Sanger Institute’s Research Policies are designed to provide guidance to help researchers navigate the legislation relating to their research and to ensure that research is ethical and legal. Our science is organised into six Scientific Programmes, each defining a major area of research with a particular biological, disease, analytic or generative focus.

Our science is organised into six Scientific Programmes, each defining a major area of research with a particular biological, disease, analytic or generative focus. COVID-19 The Sanger Institute played a major role in the genomic surveillance of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing large-scale high-throughput sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and analysis of its evolution and spread in the UK.

Sanger Seminar Series Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020-2021 we hosted a series of monthly freely available and open virtual seminars. From using genomic approaches to map all cell types in the human body, understand how cancer develops, and track the evolution and spread of global diseases, our senior scientists and faculty presented the latest developments in their field.

Our science is organised into six Scientific Programmes, each defining a major area of research with a particular biological, disease or analytic focus. In all cases, the studies provide insights into human, pathogen, cellular evolution, the phenotypic and hence biological consequences of genome variation and the processes which cause mutations.

Our science is organised into six Scientific Programmes, each defining a major area of research with a particular biological, disease, analytic or generative focus. Our science is founded on the talents, imagination and curiosity of our people. Our wet-lab scientists, bioinformaticians, developers, engineers and skilled administrators work together to deliver cutting-edge research.

Join us Sanger Leadership Team The Sanger Leadership Team is an Executive Committee that enables holistic and effective decision making, with transparency and accountability woven into its make up. Governance How we are organised to enable transparent, open, responsive leadership.

Institute Scientific Advisory Board We draw on a number of experienced and internationally recognised scientists to provide independent scientific support, advice and challenge to help us maintain our scientific excellence. Our science is founded on the talents, imagination and curiosity of our people.

Our wet-lab scientists, bioinformaticians, developers, engineers and skilled administrators work together to deliver cutting-edge research. Join us Faculty Our Faculty conceive and deliver our science. Within our strategic framework the Institute’s scientific aspirations are driven by their vision, imagination and intellectual energy.

Associate Faculty Our Associate Faculty combine their skills and knowledge with the Sanger Institute’s unique abilities to conduct data generation and analysis at scale to pioneer genomic research in new areas. International Fellows Our International Fellows Programme empowers early-career researchers with resources, mentorship, and funding to advance genomic research globally.

Honorary Faculty Our Honorary Faculty contribute to our research by providing insights and knowledge and collaborating on important research projects. All Sanger Staff All Sanger Staff Almost 1,000 scientists, developers, engineers and skilled professionals work together to deliver the Sanger Institute’s cutting-edge genomic research. Our science is founded on the talents, imagination and curiosity of our people.

Our wet-lab scientists, bioinformaticians, developers, engineers and skilled administrators work together to deliver cutting-edge research. Join us Science Staff From PhD students and Postdoctoral Fellows, bioinformaticians and laboratory managers, search for our staff who the support the delivery of pioneering science. Non-Science Staff Look up our management and support staff that facilitate the Sanger Institute’s science.

Almost 1,000 scientists, developers, engineers and skilled professionals work together to deliver the Sanger Institute’s cutting-edge genomic research. Our science is founded on the talents, imagination and curiosity of our people. Our wet-lab scientists, bioinformaticians, developers, engineers and skilled administrators work together to deliver cutting-edge research.

Join us Innovation at the Institute Innovation at the Institute We deliver therapeutic, diagnostic and production benefits in areas as diverse as cancer, immunology, public health and personalised treatment.

We apply our science to benefit society by empowering innovators and engaging with businesses and investors - driven by Sanger Genomics Innovation For Industry For Industry Find out how our translation team maximises the socioeconomic impact of the Sanger Institute’s discoveries by translating our science into products, services and technologies that benefit patients in a variety of settings.

We apply our science to benefit society by empowering innovators and engaging with businesses and investors - driven by Sanger Genomics Innovation For Researchers For Researchers Read how we benefit society by buiding on the innovative capabilities of our people by engaging with businesses and creating commercial opportunities.

We also develop a unique and vibrant ecosystem to establish and grow innovative genomics and biodata businesses.

We apply our science to benefit society by empowering innovators and engaging with businesses and investors - driven by Sanger Genomics Innovation Case Studies Case Studies Read examples of how we engage with funding, R&D, service and clinical communities to promote real-world utilisation of the Sanger Institute’s technologies and resources.

We apply our science to benefit society by empowering innovators and engaging with businesses and investors - driven by Sanger Genomics Innovation Our Spin-Outs Our Spin-Outs We have a culture and history of scaling technologies. Some have become spin-out companies that positively impact today’s healthcare sector.

We apply our science to benefit society by empowering innovators and engaging with businesses and investors - driven by Sanger Genomics Innovation Sanger Technologies Sanger Technologies Browse our technology and therapy opportunities.

We apply our science to benefit society by empowering innovators and engaging with businesses and investors - driven by Sanger Genomics Innovation Genomics Futures Series Genomics Futures Series From February to July 2025 Wellcome Sanger Institute and Wellcome hosted the Genomics Futures workshop series, inviting a breadth of professionals including genomics researchers, industry professionals, policy makers and ethicists were invited to explore the future genomics landscape.

The outputs of these workshops are available here for use, interest and to spark discussion within the wider scientific community. We apply our science to benefit society by empowering innovators and engaging with businesses and investors - driven by Sanger Genomics Innovation We deliver therapeutic, diagnostic and production benefits in areas as diverse as cancer, immunology, public health and personalised treatment.

We apply our science to benefit society by empowering innovators and engaging with businesses and investors - driven by Sanger Genomics Innovation News and Blogs News and Blogs Read our latest news and stories of the science and people of the Sanger Institute. News and stories Announcements, articles and blogs from the cutting edge of genomic research.

Press Office Press Office News and stories Announcements, articles and blogs from the cutting edge of genomic research. Branding and Logos Branding and Logos Wellcome Sanger Institute Branding Guidelines and Logos. News and stories Announcements, articles and blogs from the cutting edge of genomic research.

Computational dreams and catmint schemes Ways Sanger is helping to transform women’s health From Grenoble to mosquitoes: Clothilde Chenal’s path into pangenomics News and stories Announcements, articles and blogs from the cutting edge of genomic research.

Archived Page: Janet Thornton Fellowship Archived page: The Janet Thornton Fellowship was a postdoctoral fellowship run by the Wellcome Sanger Institutes part of its commitment to retaining and developing talent. For more than a decade the fellowship supported scientists returning to research after a career break of 12 months or more.

This page is maintained as a historical record of the fellowship at the Sanger Institute and is no longer being updated.

Applications are now closed for our Janet Thornton Postdoctoral Fellowship Current, former fellows and Gosia Trynka (Janet Thornton Fellowship Faculty Lead) At the Wellcome Sanger Institute, we are committed to enabling and opening routes back into science for those who have had a break from scientific research – for any reason.

We understand that even a short time out of research can have an impact on your career, which is why we have created a postdoctoral fellowship providing an additional opportunity specifically for those who have been out of scientific research for 12 months or more to return to high-quality postdoctoral training. One Fellowship will be awarded each year.

Each Fellowship will last for three years and can be worked full time, part time or flexibly. Fellowships will be awarded after a competitive selection process, with applicants applying to one of the broad project outlines listed below. Applicants are encouraged to make contact with the named supervisor.

While the Sanger Institute provides the opportunity in its recruitment processes for job applicants to declare career breaks (taken for any reason) so that they can be taken into account when assessing applications for all roles, particularly in relation to the potential impact of time out on individuals’ scientific and career outputs, this fellowship will be open exclusively to those who have taken a career break of 12 months or more.

If you would like to learn more about a day in a life of a Janet Thornton Fellow click here The Janet Thornton Fellowship is open to scientists who: 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 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).

The Fellowship is awarded after a competitive selection process, with applicants applying to one of the projects below. You are encouraged to make contact with the named supervisor.

Stage 1 of the Application process: Please apply to the Janet Thornton Fellowship vacancy via our job site Please have a copy of your current CV ready to upload Stage 2 of the Application process: If you meet the eligibility criteria we will invite you to complete stage 2 of the application process: Application form with a number of questions (between 1000 – 1500 words across the questions): Why are you interested in applying to this project outline?

How do you think your research experience and broader contributions to the research environment will enrich your Fellowship experience at the Sanger Institute What academic achievements are you most proud of? What personal achievements are you most proud of?

For more information on applying and guidance, please download our JTF application form guidance Applications for 2024 Janet Thornton Fellowship are now closed End of October – Application deadline November – Project proposal development with Faculty November – Shortlisted candidates will be invited to work with Wellcome Sanger Institute research lead to co-develop and bespoke the project proposal January 2025 – Interviews The shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with Wellcome Sanger Institute staff.

Candidates will be asked to give a presentation and answer questions on their previous research and the developed project proposal (via Zoom). This will be followed by a Q&A-style competency-based interview with the panel. All candidates, including those unsuccessful at this stage, will receive feedback and will have the opportunity to receive mentorship and support from members Faculty.

Start of the Fellowship- Within 6 months of being offered the role Details of the Fellowship This Postdoctoral Fellowship is for a duration of three years, can be worked full time, part time or flexibly at the Sanger Institute on the Wellcome Genome Campus in Hinxton near Cambridge and includes: Full Time Equivalent Salary currently – £38,000 – £49,156 (in 2024) Research expenses, including generous consumables and travel costs for conferences and training courses Access to training and support resources from across the organisation Access to the University of Cambridge Careers Service Generous and flexible benefits Your browser does not support the object embed tag, click here to view the PDF For further information, please contact: equality@sanger.

ac. uk Meet Current Janet Thornton Fellows and Alumnis "Thanks to the Janet Thornton Fellowship I now have a chance to use my previous 15 years of research training directly again, and to update my skills in a world-class scientific environment" Carla Jones-Bell's experience "I have always enjoyed new challenges and learning new skills, but coming back to academia was somewhat a leap of faith."

Sunay Usleur's experience "Besides providing the possibility to return to academia, the Janet Thornton Fellowship gave me the independence I needed for spending time on learning and exploring new fields" Kate Rawlinson's experience "The most rewarding part for me has been working in a diverse team of people with different skills and backgrounds on ambitious, large scale and exciting projects" Wellcome Trust Flexible Research Careers page British Heart Foundation Career Re-entry Research Fellowship Daphne Jackson Trust Fellowships Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship L’Oreal-UNESCO UK and Ireland Fellowships for Women in Science UKRI Future Leaders’ Fellowship Applications are now closed Applications will open again Autumn 2025 ...

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