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- Tasks: Lead ethical research practices and collaborate with top researchers to drive responsible innovation.
- Company: Ellison Institute of Technology, tackling global challenges through science and technology.
- Benefits: Enhanced holiday pay, private medical insurance, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in biotechnology while fostering a culture of accountability and foresight.
- Qualifications: PhD in Life Sciences or related field, with experience in responsible research frameworks.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to excellence and innovative solutions for humanity.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Overview
The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) tackles humanity’s greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas led by a faculty of world experts, EIT seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology; Food security and Sustainable agriculture; Clean Energy Generation and Storage; and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. A cornerstone of EIT 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 EIT 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 fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity’s enduring challenges.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of ethical, secure, and socially conscious research practices within the institute.
- Collaborate with world-class researchers, shape strategic frameworks, and engage with global stakeholders to anticipate and mitigate risks associated with emerging biotechnologies.
- Develop and lead GBI’s Responsible Innovation strategy, embedding ethical foresight and security into research programs.
- Establish frameworks and processes to forecast and address potential dual-use of emerging technologies.
- Work closely with scientific leadership and research groups to ensure alignment between research outputs and broader societal needs.
- Collaborate with GBI researchers to evaluate potential biological risk from emerging biotechnologies.
- Build and chair advisory boards to review innovation pathways and ensure research is conducted in a secure and ethical manner.
- Drive engagement with global stakeholders (academic, regulatory, industry, public) to ensure GBI’s work is transparent, trustworthy, and aligned with international best practice in responsible research and innovation.
- Design and implement training programs for researchers to integrate responsible innovation into their projects, cultivating a culture of accountability and foresight.
- Guide the development of technical safeguards, such as hard prompt refusals in models and misuse detection tools.
- Identify areas of special concern in emerging technologies to prioritise monitoring and testing schemes.
- Ensure responsible innovation is embedded within GBI’s research culture, building strong relationships with research teams so that security measures are seen as enabling and supportive.
Qualifications and Experience
- A doctoral degree (PhD) in Life Sciences, Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.
- Ideally, demonstrated expertise in forecasting and securing emerging technologies with a proven track record of embedding responsible innovation in complex scientific environments.
- Experience developing and leading frameworks for responsible research and innovation in academic, industrial, or policy contexts.
- Familiarity and understanding of security, legal, and social implications of synthetic biology, automation, and large-scale data-driven science.
- Ability to convene and collaborate with interdisciplinary stakeholders, including scientists, ethicists, regulators, and the public.
- Proven track record of team building, with the ability to inspire a culture of responsible, mission-driven science.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences and represent GBI at the highest levels (academic institutions, regulatory agencies, industry partners).
Benefits
- 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 be eligible to work in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. You must be based 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 program.
Head of Responsible Innovation - Generative Biology Institute Generative Biology Institute Oxfo[...] in Oxford employer: Ellison Institute, LLC
Contact Detail:
Ellison Institute, LLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Responsible Innovation - Generative Biology Institute Generative Biology Institute Oxfo[...] in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Generative Biology Institute. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your past projects and how they align with responsible innovation. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this to demonstrate your value and vision for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role at the Ellison Institute that excites you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by understanding the institute's mission and values. Think about how your skills can contribute to their goals in health, sustainability, and innovation. Tailor your responses to reflect their focus on ethical and responsible research practices.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Responsible Innovation - Generative Biology Institute Generative Biology Institute Oxfo[...] in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Head of Responsible Innovation role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at the Generative Biology Institute!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge in life sciences, bioengineering, or synthetic biology. We’re looking for someone with a proven track record, so make sure to include specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your expertise in responsible innovation.
Communicate Clearly: Your application should reflect your exceptional communication skills. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas, and remember to engage both technical and non-technical audiences. We want to see how you can represent GBI effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at EIT. Don’t miss out on making an impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute, LLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and challenges in responsible innovation, especially in generative biology. Brush up on ethical considerations and be ready to discuss how you would implement these in research practices.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with diverse stakeholders, prepare examples of past collaborations. Highlight how you’ve successfully engaged with scientists, ethicists, and regulators to drive responsible innovation.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Think about potential ethical dilemmas that could arise in biotechnologies. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these situations, ensuring that your strategies align with societal needs and security measures.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to engage both technical and non-technical audiences, so being able to articulate your ideas clearly will set you apart during the interview.
