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- Tasks: Support the COO in scaling operations and driving strategic initiatives at GBI.
- 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: Degree in life sciences or business operations preferred; lab experience is a plus.
- Other info: Must have the right to work in the UK and be near Oxford.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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. It will also host the Ellison Scholars, driving innovation for societal benefit.
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 an Operation Manager to support the COO in scaling GBI strategically, ensuring efficient operations that enable top-tier research. It involves driving special projects, contributing to organisational strategy, and coordinating core functions like finance, legal, and lab planning. The role requires close collaboration with scientific and facilities teams, implementing scalable processes, managing cross-functional projects, and liaising with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery and alignment across initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- To support the COO in strategic scaling of GBI, ensuring smooth and responsive business operations that enable world-class research.
- To support strategic initiatives and special projectsled by the COO, contributing to planning, execution, and internal alignment across teams.
- To contribute to GBI’s organisational strategy, including understanding the scientific landscape, and identifying opportunities for growth and operational innovation.
- To support and coordinate key operational functions,including budgetingand financeprocesses,legal and commercial matters,recruiting, communications,procurement, and lab facilities planning.
- To work closely with scientific and facilities teams to understand and capture requirementsfor lab fit-outs, equipment procurement, and space planning.
- To design, document, and implement operational processes, working closely with central EIT teams (e.g. HR, finance,legal,facilities) to ensure scalability and alignment with best practices across GBI and EIT teams.
- To provide project management office (PMO) support, tracking timelines, milestones, and deliverables across operations and infrastructure projects.
- To liaise with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, managing timelines, documentation, and coordination across multiple workstreams.
- To act as a flexible and reliable point of contactfor operational problem-solving, stepping in wherever needed to keep projects moving.
- To manage and coordinate relationships with external collaborators, including academic institutions, research networks, and strategic partners, ensuring smooth communication and delivery on joint initiatives.
Qualifications & Experience:
- A degree in a relevant field, such as life sciences, business operations, or project management, ora science / research backgroundis preferred.
- Experience working in or supporting laboratory environments, with a good understanding of scientific workflows, research culture, and technical equipment needs is preferred.
- Strong operational experience, ideally in a high-growth, fast-paced environment such as a start-up / scale-up, or in aresearch institute.
- Comfortable supporting strategic planning, with an interest in scientific trends, innovation, and organisational growth.
- Experience creating project management materials for leadership teams, including managing budgets.
- Excellent project coordination and time management skills, with experience overseeing complex timelines, budgets and competing priorities.
- Proactive and self-directed, with a willingness to take ownership of problems and implement practical solutions.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work across scientific, technical, and administrative teams.
Key Attributes:
- Has the ability to identify design new business processes and systems in collaboration with stakeholders
- Someone who has excellent time management and prioritisation skills
- Excellent attention to detail and able to manage multiple tasks
- High level of adaptability and flexibility.
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.
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.
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Operations Manager - 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 Operations Manager - Generative Biology Institute
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in generative biology and related fields. Understanding the scientific landscape will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the mission of the Generative Biology Institute.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who have experience in operations within research environments. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the operational challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or processes in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to adapt and implement scalable solutions, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Ellison Institute's current projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and show that you're proactive about understanding their goals and challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Generative Biology Institute
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly in laboratory environments or research institutes. Emphasise your skills in project management, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the mission of the Ellison Institute of Technology. Discuss how your background aligns with their goals, particularly in scaling operations and supporting strategic initiatives.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on specific examples where you successfully managed projects, coordinated teams, or implemented operational processes. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact whenever possible.
Showcase Soft Skills: Given the collaborative nature of the role, highlight your interpersonal and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've worked effectively across diverse teams and managed relationships with external partners.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute, LLC
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to research the Ellison Institute of Technology and its Generative Biology Institute. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their impactful work.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need strong project management abilities. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex projects, coordinated teams, and met tight deadlines. Highlight your ability to oversee budgets and timelines effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Given the collaborative nature of the role, it's crucial to showcase your interpersonal skills. Prepare examples that illustrate how you've worked with diverse teams, resolved conflicts, and communicated effectively across different departments. This will demonstrate your ability to liaise with both scientific and administrative teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would approach them. This could include managing unexpected changes in project scope or coordinating with external partners. Being ready with thoughtful responses will show your proactive mindset.
