UK Biobank is one of the world’s most significant biomedical research resources, supporting scientists to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of serious and life-threatening illnesses. We have collected extensive health, genetic and lifestyle data from 500,000 volunteer participants across the UK, enabling groundbreaking discoveries that are transforming healthcare globally.
At UK Biobank, technology sits at the heart of everything we do. Our platforms securely manage vast, complex datasets and make them accessible to approved researchers worldwide. From large-scale genomic sequencing to advanced imaging and cloud-based data environments, our work relies on innovative engineering, data science, and digital infrastructure.
Joining UK Biobank means contributing to a mission-driven organisation where your technical skills help enable life-changing research. It’s an opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies, collaborate with leading scientists, and be part of a community that values inclusion, curiosity and purpose.
“UK Biobank has become the world’s most important health resource. None of this would be possible without the altruism of the 500,000 British citizens who agreed to join the study some decades ago and the tens of thousands of scientists around the world, together with our diverse, committed and engaged people who work for UK Biobank.” – Professor Sir Rory Collins, UK Biobank CEO and Principal Investigator
At UK Biobank, we are all driven by the aim to maximise the usefulness of our world-leading biomedical dataset in order to enable researchers to develop treatments and medicines to improve human health.
From data analysts and academics to developers, lab technicians and everyone in between, it takes a variety of different skills, from a great many different people to achieve our aim.
At UK Biobank, we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone – regardless of background – feels heard, valued and empowered to be themselves.
Whether in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, or infrastructure, our teams are solving meaningful problems that have real-world impact on millions of lives. We actively support career development, flexible working, and a collaborative culture where different perspectives drive better outcomes.
We believe diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Different perspectives help us better understand one another, foster collaboration and create a dynamic environment where teams can thrive and achieve shared goals.
At UK Biobank, we place a strong emphasis on your growth and development. We are committed to helping you reach your full potential and empowering you to make a meaningful impact on our future.
Our performance framework, My Performance, supports regular development conversations between employees and their line managers every six months. These discussions provide dedicated time to reflect on progress, identify areas for growth, and explore opportunities to build new skills.
To further support your development, every employee receives an annual £500 learning allowance. This can be used for training, courses, or other activities that enhance your professional growth and help you progress in your career.
My degree was in Business Studies and Hospitality and I came out of university into a recession but I was lucky enough to go to Disneyworld for 6 months!
Then I went into hospitality and worked in large hotel chains. It meant long hours and, often, in conditions which we would think unacceptable now. Most of the management team were male and there were only two fields for women – reception and personnel! When the woman in the personnel role left I was offered the role – because it was a women’s role and I was the only woman there!
I decided to study for my IPD qualification on my own and financed it myself. It meant working long hours and spending my one day off studying – often after a nightshift. You had to be better than men.
I have worked in HR in legal firms and have enjoyed being in firms with strong, principled and inclusive cultures who have developed people regardless of gender or ethnicity. I have run programmes of community outreach where young people are offered role models and encouraged to aspire to break out of cycles of low opportunity. It brings me great satisfaction to help people achieve their career goals and be the best they can be.
I’ve worked through a period of phenomenal change for women. I’ve learned that women don’t have to copy male behaviours if that is not their natural instinct. They can always bring equity and fairness and do the right thing. I sometimes felt I had to be bossy to be a leader and not everybody likes that! But I had very strong role models, particularly my dad who worked in employee relations and had a very strong moral compass. He always said: “Do what’s right – not what’s popular”.
There is still a need for change as there is not equality. Women can effect a lot of change by supporting each other and holding each other up. When women have been told they are not good enough they need to see role models. We should take responsibility for being role models for those who don’t have role models at home.
My superpower is caring for others. And listening without judgement.
Adunola Ige
I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Accounting, Financial Management and Economics, before joining a Big Four accounting firm where I qualified as a chartered accountant. I then gained broad experience across several accounting firms, working extensively on client sites.
As my family commitments grew, I transitioned into industry to expand my skillset, which opened opportunities to work with organisations including Oxfam GB. I found working with charities especially rewarding, given their focus on delivering public benefit alongside achieving their core objectives.
Working for UK Biobank is important to me. I am inspired by the impact that well-funded science and research can have on advancing healthcare and medicine. I enjoy the variety and unpredictability of my role, which spans business partnering, reporting, accounts payable, payroll and treasury. With a strong focus on collaboration and compliance, my team and I support stakeholders in making sound business decisions. I am also fortunate to be surrounded by many intelligent and dedicated female colleagues in UK Biobank who continue to inspire me to achieve more.
So, dare to dream, take that first step, and keep going—your future is yours to shape.
