At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cutting-edge scientific computing projects in genomics and synthetic biology.
- 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: Shape the future of biology with a collaborative team focused on impactful solutions.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in bioinformatics; strong leadership and technical skills required.
- Other info: Must be eligible to work in the UK and willing to travel as needed.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ 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 looking for a Head of Scientific Compute to shape the future of computational research by leading the development of cutting-edge infrastructure to support high-performance computing, AI-driven analytics, and large-scale data processing. Working at the intersection of genomics, synthetic biology, and chemistry, you will collaborate with researchers and technical teams to design tailored computational solutions, ensuring compliance with data management best practices. You will recruit, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary team while optimizing computing resources for scalability and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the development and implementation of a strategic vision for scientific computing, integrating advanced technologies to support large-scale data processing, high-performance computing, and AI-driven analytics in genomic research.
- Oversee and manage the scientific computing infrastructure, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of computational biology, data analysis, and laboratory automation across diverse research programs.
- Collaborate closely with researchers and technical teams to design and implement computational solutions tailored to applications in synthetic biology, chemistry, and genomics.
- Recruit, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaborative research.
- Manage and optimize computing resources, ensuring high availability and scalability to support the institute's research objectives.
- Establish and enforce best practices for data management and ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines related to data security, privacy, and reproducibility, particularly in handling extensive biological datasets.
- Strategize with and guide GBI scientists in realizing their scientific computing requirements from conception to implementation, empowering and teaching scientists to perform scientific computing themselves.
- Collaborate with IT and facilities teams to ensure seamless integration of computational infrastructure with laboratory and automation systems, enhancing overall research efficiency.
- Cultivate and manage collaborations with GBI research teams, within EIT more broadly, and with technology providers and cloud computing services to drive innovation in scientific computing.
- Provide strategic guidance to GBI leadership, advising on future computing needs, emerging technologies, and strategies for digital transformation in scientific research.
- A PhD (or equivalent experience) in bioinformatics, or extensive experience in software development, architecture, and implementation.
- Extensive experience in managing scientific computing environments, including expertise in high-performance computing, cloud computing, and large-scale data analytics within a research context.
- Proven track record of leading and managing complex computational projects, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and reproducibility in data analysis workflows.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
- Strong technical proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Linux, cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, as well as HPC environments.
- Big data management, database design, and distributed computing frameworks.
- Implementation of data security measures and adherence to compliance and regulatory frameworks.
- Exceptional communication skills, capable of engaging with researchers, technical teams, and leadership to maximize the impact of scientific computing initiatives.
- Extensive experience communicating with non-technical audiences about computing/software.
We offer the following salary and benefits: 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 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. Flexibility to be discussed. During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.
Head of Scientific Compute - 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 Head of Scientific Compute - Generative Biology Institute
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in high-performance computing and AI-driven analytics, particularly as they relate to genomics and synthetic biology. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of scientific computing and bioinformatics. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the industry. This could give you insights that are valuable for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience in managing multidisciplinary teams. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and innovation in past roles, as this aligns closely with the culture at EIT Oxford.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Ellison Institute of Technology's ongoing projects and initiatives. Understanding their current research focus and future goals will enable you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your expertise can contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Scientific Compute - Generative Biology Institute
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in bioinformatics, scientific computing, and leadership. Emphasise your expertise in high-performance computing and cloud platforms, as well as any projects that demonstrate your ability to manage complex computational tasks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the intersection of genomics and technology. Discuss how your background aligns with the mission of the Generative Biology Institute and how you can contribute to their goals in scientific computing.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Highlight your experience in building and leading multidisciplinary teams. Provide examples of how you've fostered collaboration and innovation in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head of Scientific Compute position.
Demonstrate Communication Skills: Since the role requires engaging with both technical and non-technical audiences, include examples of how you've effectively communicated complex concepts in past positions. This will show your ability to bridge the gap between researchers and technical teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute, LLC
✨Understand the Institute's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the mission of the Ellison Institute of Technology and how it aligns with your own values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience in scientific computing can contribute to their goals in health, sustainability, and innovation.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Highlight your proficiency in programming languages like Python and your experience with cloud computing platforms. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed high-performance computing environments and large-scale data analytics in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of Scientific Compute, it's crucial to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss your experience in building and mentoring multidisciplinary teams, and how you foster a culture of collaboration and technical excellence within your team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to strategise. Think about past challenges you've faced in scientific computing and how you approached them, particularly in relation to compliance, data management, and collaboration with researchers.