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- Tasks: Lead and manage cutting-edge research facilities, ensuring operational excellence and safety.
- Company: Join the Ellison Institute of Technology, tackling global challenges through innovative research.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, enhanced holiday pay, private medical insurance, and more perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values creativity and makes a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field with extensive lab management experience and strong publication record required.
- Other info: Must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to travel as needed.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford tackles humanity’s greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas like health, food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, clean energy, and AI-driven government innovation, EIT Oxford blends groundbreaking research with practical applications to deliver lasting results. A cornerstone of EIT Oxford’s mission is its upcoming 300,000-square-foot research facility at the Oxford Science Park, set to open in 2027. This cutting-edge campus will feature advanced labs, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and collaborative spaces to strengthen its partnership with the University of Oxford.
The Generative Biology Institute (GBI) at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford aims to overcome two major challenges in making biology engineerable: 1) the ability to precisely synthesize entire genomes, and 2) understanding which DNA sequences will create biological systems that perform desired functions. Solving these challenges will unlock the potential of biology for transformative solutions in health, sustainability, agriculture, and more. GBI will house 30 groups and over 300 researchers, supported by cutting-edge facilities and sustained funding to address global challenges and advance biology engineering.
EIT Oxford fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity’s enduring challenges. GBI is seeking a Director of Research Infrastructure to oversee and manage the research infrastructure across all of our laboratory facilities. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, scientific capability, and safety across the organisation.
In this critical role, you will provide strategic leadership to core research support functions such as mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and automation, while shaping the long-term vision for laboratory operations in collaboration with senior leadership. You will leverage your deep technical expertise to support GBI’s research ambitions, manage resources efficiently, and drive collaborations that advance our cutting-edge work.
Key Responsibilities:- To oversee and manage the research infrastructure across all GBI laboratory facilities, ensuring the highest standards of operational excellence, scientific capability, and safety.
- To provide strategic leadership for core research support functions, including mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and automation, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of GBI researchers.
- To develop and implement, with senior leadership, a long-term vision for laboratory operations, integrating cutting-edge technologies, automation, and best practices to enhance scientific productivity.
- To provide expert scientific input and strategic guidance, leveraging deep technical expertise and a strong publication record to support the research ambitions of GBI.
- To recruit, mentor, and manage senior technical leads, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.
- To manage financial and equipment resources across laboratory functions, ensuring sustainability, cost-efficiency, and optimal investment in equipment.
- To determine, obtain, and manage the resource requirements for laboratory infrastructure, including staffing structures, procurement, and maintenance of shared equipment.
- To oversee compliance and regulatory adherence, ensuring all laboratory activities align with health and safety regulations, biosafety standards, and legal requirements.
- To drive collaborations across GBI, within EIT and externally, ensuring laboratory facilities support world-leading research in synthetic biology, chemistry, and life sciences.
- A PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline, such as synthetic biology, chemistry, bioanalytical sciences, or a related field.
- Extensive experience in laboratory management and research infrastructure leadership, with a proven track record of managing complex, multi-disciplinary scientific facilities.
- A strong publication record in their field, demonstrating deep scientific expertise and credibility in relevant fields.
- Proven expertise in managing and developing technical teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
- Ability to drive continuous improvements in research infrastructure, integrating new technologies and methodologies to enhance scientific capabilities.
- Strong technical expertise in: Advanced analytical and bioanalytical techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, high-throughput sequencing).
- Laboratory automation and high-throughput screening technologies.
- Research operations, compliance, and regulatory standards.
- Track record of building and managing collaborations, both internally and with external academic and industry partners, to enhance research capabilities.
- Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to engage with senior researchers, technical teams, and external stakeholders to shape the future of the organisation’s laboratory infrastructure.
We offer the following salary and benefits:
- Salary: Competitive salary on offer
- Enhanced holiday pay
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Private Medical Insurance
- Hospital Cash Plan
- Therapy Services
- Perk Box
- Electrical Car Scheme
Why work for EIT:
At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!
Terms of Appointment:
- You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
- You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
- During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.
Director of Research Infrastructure - Generative Biology Institute employer: Ellison Institute, LLC
Contact Detail:
Ellison Institute, LLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Research Infrastructure - Generative Biology Institute
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in synthetic biology and related fields. Understanding current trends and breakthroughs will not only enhance your discussions during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying at the forefront of research.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who have experience in laboratory management and research infrastructure. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration within technical teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed diverse groups and driven innovation in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Ellison Institute of Technology's mission and values thoroughly. Tailor your conversations to align with their focus on collaboration, innovation, and resilience, showcasing how your vision for laboratory operations complements their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Research Infrastructure - Generative Biology Institute
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in laboratory management and research infrastructure. Emphasise your leadership roles, technical expertise, and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities of the Director of Research Infrastructure.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for advancing scientific capabilities and your vision for laboratory operations. Mention how your background in synthetic biology or related fields makes you a perfect fit for the role at the Generative Biology Institute.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Given the emphasis on collaboration in the job description, be sure to include examples of successful partnerships you've built in previous roles. This could involve working with academic institutions, industry partners, or cross-functional teams.
Showcase Your Publication Record: Since a strong publication record is mentioned as a qualification, include a section in your CV that lists your most significant publications. Briefly describe their relevance to the field and how they demonstrate your expertise and contributions to research.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute, LLC
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Director of Research Infrastructure, it's crucial to highlight your previous leadership roles. Discuss specific examples where you successfully managed teams and projects, particularly in complex, multi-disciplinary environments.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your deep technical knowledge in areas like mass spectrometry and laboratory automation. Providing insights into how you've applied these techniques in past roles will showcase your capability to support GBI’s research ambitions.
✨Align with EIT's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the core values and mission of the Ellison Institute of Technology. During the interview, express how your vision for laboratory operations aligns with their goals of collaboration, innovation, and addressing global challenges.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about your long-term vision for laboratory operations. Think about how you would integrate cutting-edge technologies and best practices to enhance scientific productivity, and be ready to share your ideas on driving continuous improvements.
