About Genomics England
What is Genomics England?
Genomics England describes itself as "a global leader in enabling genomic medicine and research, focused on creating a world where everyone benefits from genomic healthcare." Building on the 100,000 Genomes Project, it supports "the NHS's world-first national whole genome sequencing service" and runs the growing National Genomic Research Library, alongside initiatives including the Newborn Genomes Programme, Cancer 2.0 and Diverse Data. Its stated mission is "to provide the evidence and digital systems so that by 2035 genomics could play a role in up to half of all healthcare interactions, whilst securing the UK's position as the best place to discover, prove and benefit from genomic innovations." Behind the science it is also a software organisation, delivering "through designing, developing and operating complex healthcare software systems."
Where will I work?
Genomics England runs what it calls a blended working model. "We expect most people to come into the office a minimum of 2 times each month. However, this will vary according to role and will be agreed with your team leader. For some people this is 1 day a quarter, for others it is several days a week." It adds that "there is no expectation that staff will return to the office full time unless they want to" — the exception being roles such as lab and reception teams, which are on site. Its office locations are Canary Wharf, Cambridge and Leeds. Staff can also apply for up to 30 days of remote working abroad each year, subject to approval.
What is the Genomics England team like?
Multi-disciplinary teams "collaboratively design and build the services we provide to NHS colleagues and the research and biotech community", spanning bioinformatics, engineering, data, clinical, ethics, design research and policy. The organisation calls itself "agile, fast-moving, and innovative", and uses "design and social science research to ask the right questions and develop the right outcomes." Four stated behaviours shape the culture: "We pull together in service of our mission", "We continuously learn and improve", "We deliver high quality outcomes" and "We are trustworthy, responsible stewards." It also encourages "a high challenge and high support culture", running an annual survey plus regular pulse surveys.
Work-Life Balance
Genomics England publishes 30 days' holiday, "plus bank holidays, plus additional leave for long service" — going "beyond the UK's basic entitlement of 20 days per year". It says it "insist[s] on promoting a healthy work/life balance with flexible working and other perks", and that teams "have the freedom to design working patterns to suit, beyond the minimum" office days. Family-friendly provisions cover blended working, flexible working and enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave. Genomics England does not publish a four-day week, compressed hours or a nine-day fortnight.
Perks and Benefits
- Defined contribution pension, double-matched by Genomics England up to 10%
- £500 a year for individual learning, plus support for training and certifications
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
- Life assurance at 3x salary
- "Wellbeing Wednesdays", a free Headspace account and an Employee Assistance Programme
- The option to apply for up to 30 days of remote working abroad each year
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme and subsidised gym membership