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- Tasks: Lead innovative chemistry projects to engineer biology for health and sustainability.
- Company: Join the Ellison Institute of Technology, a hub for groundbreaking research.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced holiday pay, private medical insurance, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global challenges while collaborating with top experts.
- Qualifications: PhD in organic chemistry or related field with hands-on experience in synthesis.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 the Ellison Institute of Technology (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.
We are seeking an experienced and self-driven Senior Scientist to lead the Chemistry and Chemical Biology function within GBI. As the primary chemistry expert, you will play a critical role in designing and executing small molecule, probe, and compound synthesis to support a wide range of experimental protocols in synthetic biology, genomics, and molecular engineering. You will work independently to establish and maintain robust workflows, while collaborating closely with research groups to design and execute strategies tailored to novel and emerging scientific questions.
Key Responsibilities:
- To design and synthesis of small molecule amino acid analogues and closely related compounds, synthesis of bio-orthogonal reagents as chemical probes and synthesis of other biologically active compounds and biomolecules in support of internal research programmes.
- To establish and manage core chemistry workflows and infrastructure, including reagent libraries, purification methods, and compound characterisation.
- To develop and optimise synthetic routes, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and scale up reactions where needed.
- To support development of analytical workflows and novel biological assays
- To manage chemistry lab related research equipment such as LCMS, HPLC, flash chromatography systems
- To manage all aspects of chemical safety and compliance within the chemistry space, including documentation, risk assessments, and chemical inventory.
- To work closely with research groups to integrate chemical approaches into broader workflows.
- To independently prioritise and execute multiple projects, providing scientific leadership and technical insight.
- To evaluate and adopt new technologies, tools, and methodologies that expand the capabilities of the chemistry function.
- To identify and realise areas where chemistry and chemical biology could impact on GBI’s mission.
- To lead at the interface of chemistry and biology and to proactively develop chemical approaches in biological systems as relevant to GBI’s mission.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
A PhD (or equivalent experience) in organic chemistry, chemical biology, or a related discipline.
Extensive hands-on experience in organic chemistry, including multistep synthesis, purification, and compound characterisation.
Proven ability to work independently in a chemistry setting, with strong problem-solving skills and scientific judgement.
Experience developing and running bespoke chemical protocols tailored to exploratory research questions.
Ability to optimise synthetic routes where necessary and to produce robust and reproducible synthetic protocols
Good understanding of mass spectrometry, including LCMS, MS/MS, and proteomics
Understanding of key biological processes such as transcription and translation
Understanding of some basic molecular biology techniques such as molecular cloning, protein expression, purification and analysis
Strong understanding of chemical safety regulations and best practices in a laboratory setting.
Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills, with a commitment to high standards of data integrity and reproducibility.
Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to convey complex chemical concepts to non-specialist audiences.
A proactive and adaptable mindset, comfortable navigating a fast-paced, evolving research environment.
We offer the following salary and 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 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, or be willing to relocate to 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.
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Senior Scientist (Chemistry and Chemical Biology) - 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 Senior Scientist (Chemistry and Chemical Biology) - Generative Biology Institute
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, especially how they align with your expertise in chemistry and chemical biology. We want you to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role at the Generative Biology Institute. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence and ensure you communicate your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you on board to tackle those global challenges together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist (Chemistry and Chemical Biology) - Generative Biology Institute
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in organic chemistry and chemical biology. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the Generative Biology Institute!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t shy away from sharing specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the lab. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions.
Highlight Collaboration Experience: Since we value teamwork, be sure to mention any collaborative projects you've worked on. Let us know how you’ve successfully integrated chemical approaches into broader research workflows!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute, LLC
✨Know Your Chemistry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your organic chemistry knowledge, especially multistep synthesis and compound characterisation. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in the lab, like LCMS or HPLC, and how they relate to the role at the Generative Biology Institute.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled experimental challenges in the past. Think about times when you had to optimise synthetic routes or troubleshoot issues in your research. This will demonstrate your ability to work independently and lead projects effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since the role involves working closely with various research groups, be ready to talk about your experience in collaborative settings. Highlight how you've communicated complex chemical concepts to non-specialists, as this is crucial for integrating chemical approaches into broader workflows.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the mission of the Ellison Institute and the Generative Biology Institute. Be prepared to discuss how your expertise in chemistry and chemical biology can contribute to their goals in health, sustainability, and agriculture. Showing that you align with their vision will set you apart.
