Ecosystems Manager; Southeast Asia

Salary: £ 61,300

Closing date:
Sunday, 1 February 2026

Contract type:
Permanent

Interview dates: w/c 23 February 2026 (Remote)

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships.

We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won't be solved by science alone.

The Equitable Research Ecosystems team focuses on creating strong global research environments by managing direct investments in initiatives like the Major International Programmes and Accelerator Awards. By building robust research ecosystems in the UK and priority countries, the team aims to support diverse research initiatives and foster equitable opportunities within scientific communities. This effort ensures equity is integrated into all scientific operations, driving impactful change for communities affected by health challenges.

We are looking for an Ecosystems Manager (South & Southeast Asia) to join our Equity team.

You will be working within the Equitable Research Ecosystems team reporting to the Research Ecosystems Lead, South & Southeast Asia.

The Equitable Research Ecosystems team plays a crucial role in advancing Wellcome's mission under the Equity Framework by spearheading direct investments to strengthen global research environments. This team aligns with Wellcome's commitment to focus on the people and communities most affected by health challenges, contributing to the Framework's goal through strategic programmes such as the Major International Programmes. In collaboration with other Wellcome teams, the Equitable Research Ecosystems team ensures equity is embedded in research practices, fostering robust ecosystems that facilitate innovative and inclusive approaches to global health issues.

The role involves developing and implementing Wellcome's ecosystem investment strategy in South & Southeast Asia, managing significant budgets and fostering inclusive, equitable research environments through strategic partnerships and diverse funding models. Collaborating with cross-functional teams within Wellcome and engaging with international partners, the role prioritises equity and diversity to enhance research ecosystems and support communities most affected by health challenges.

As an Ecosystems Manager
- South & Southeast Asia, you will:

• Develop and implement Wellcome's ecosystem investment strategy, focusing on the Major International Programmes and exploring new opportunities to expand equitable research and diversity in targeted geographies.

• Manage and strengthen investments in South & Southeast Asia, overseeing significant budgets ranging from £100k to £1 million, while fostering inclusive and equitable research opportunities.

• Drive partnerships and initiatives within the South & Southeast Asian research ecosystems portfolio, managing both active and new grants/programmes, with an emphasis on equitable and diverse funding models.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams within Wellcome for funding reviews and governance processes, ensuring effective, equitable, and diverse programme implementation.

• Conduct strategic analyses and reviews for portfolio development, prioritising investments to achieve impactful, diverse, and equitable research environments across South and Southeast Asia.

• Engage with international partners, including research institutions, academics/researchers, funders, and policymakers, to enhance equitable and diverse research ecosystems, supporting communities most affected by health challenges and promoting inclusive practices.

This role is ideal for a skilled researcher and/or portfolio manager with experience in research programme management across diverse settings, particularly South & Southeast Asia, who is passionate about fostering equity and inclusivity in global research initiatives. If you excel in…