Governor

Wellcome Trust; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 72,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading charitable foundation in the UK is seeking two Governors to join its Board. The role involves shaping long-term strategy, ensuring governance, and providing oversight in health-related research. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in AI/data science or biomedical research, with substantial leadership experience and a network in the scientific community. The position requires a time commitment of around 35 days per year and offers a remuneration package of £71,054 per annum.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Inclusive environment

Competitive remuneration package

Qualifications

• Demonstrable contributions to foundational AI as applied to scientific research.
• Substantial leadership experience within a scientific organization.
• Exposure to breakthrough science and strategic decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Shape long-term strategy and governance for Wellcome.
• Provide strategic oversight and challenge decision-making.
• Serve as ambassadors for Wellcome’s mission and commitments to inclusion.

Skills

Leadership in data or computational sciences

Expertise in artificial intelligence and data science

Strong network in research

Experience in biomedical research

Strategic oversight capabilities

Education

Background in computer science or data science

Distinguished academic career in biomedical science

Job description

Governor page is loaded## Governorlocations: Londontime type: Part timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R-003120The Wellcome Trust is a politically and financially independent global charitable foundation dedicated to improving health through science. Established in 1936, it is funded entirely through returns from a £39.9bn investment portfolio, enabling a planned £16bn spend between 2022 and 2032 across discovery research, infectious disease, mental health, and climate and health.Wellcome’s mission, a healthier future for all, is grounded in collaboration, diversity of expertise, and bold, high‑impact scientific ambition.We are now seeking to appoint two Governors to join our Board of Governors. The Governor role is a senior non‑executive appointment on Wellcome’s Board of Governors, responsible for shaping long‑term strategy, safeguarding the endowment, and ensuring exemplary governance. Governors act as statutory directors of The Wellcome Trust Ltd., providing strategic oversight, setting risk appetite, holding leadership to account, and serving as ambassadors for Wellcome’s mission and its commitments to equity, diversity, anti‑racism, and inclusion.We are looking to recruit Governors with experience in two specific areas:**AI/Data Science**A highly respected and visionary leader in data or computational sciences, with demonstrable contributions to foundational AI and data science as applied to scientific and health research. The successful appointee will bring a strong appreciation of the conceptual and technical frontiers shaping current and future research and the ability to apply this insight effectively to Wellcome’s activities.The ideal candidate will have a background in computer science or data science, with clear and demonstrable contributions to foundational data science and artificial intelligence, particularly as applied to science and health research and strategy. They will bring a strong appreciation of the conceptual and technical frontiers of both current and emerging science, with an ability to understand how these frontiers are likely to develop over time. They will be able to apply their expertise thoughtfully and effectively to Wellcome’s activities, using their scientific insight to inform, challenge, and support decision‑making in line with Wellcome’s purpose.**Scientific Leader**A notable scientific leader with a distinguished career in biomedical research and a strong network of research relationships. The successful candidate will be UK based and have been directly exposed to breakthrough science and will bring the insight and credibility that come from shaping research at the highest levels within major scientific organisations or academic institutesThe ideal candidate will bring substantial leadership experience within a scientific organisation or academic institute, underpinned by a distinguished academic career in biomedical science and a strong, well‑established network of research contacts. They will be UK based and have clear exposure to breakthrough science and a proven, successful track record in a non‑executive role across a corporate, academic or third‑sector context. With sound judgement and the ability to contribute thoughtfully at board level, they will add real value to strategic discussion and effective governance.**How to apply**We have appointed the leadership advisory firm to lead the search for these two Governor positions.If you are interested in applying please send your up-to-date CV and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role to: [e-mail] date for applications is Thursday 19th February.You can view Spencer Stuart’s privacy policy .Please note any application submitted directly to Wellcome may not be considered.**Time Commitment**Wellcome anticipate a time commitment of approximately 35 days per year. There are typically 6 Board meetings per year, 5 of which run over 2 days, and one shorter online Board meeting to consider the Charity’s annual accounts.**Remuneration**Governors are appointed under a contract for services, which is currently remunerated at £71,054 per annum. Governors can claim reasonable expenses properly incurred for attending board meetings, such as travel, or on other Wellcome related business.The appointments are for three years, requiring confirmation by the Board of Governors at the expiry of the first year. The appointments can be extended, by the board, by up to two additional terms of three years to a maximum of nine years.**Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do**. We are committed to cultivating a fair andinclusiveenvironment, 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 includesmaking adjustmentsfor people who have a disability or long-term condition.Please visit our for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us [e-mail].#LI-GJ1#LI-HybridWe support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research. Wellcome isn't just a supporter of great ideas, it's a great place to work. We offer excellent benefits and help our employees to develop in an open, respectful culture where differences are valued.