Head of Research Infrastructure

Overview

Head of Research Infrastructure – Plant Biology Institute

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) seeks an accomplished leader to serve as Head of Research Infrastructure for the Plant Biology Institute. This pivotal role will shape a newly established and rapidly scaling Plant Biology Institute that aspires to become a global leader in delivering scientific breakthroughs with real-world impact. The successful candidate will oversee the design and implementation of the physical and technical infrastructure needed to establish a state-of-the-art plant science research facility. This role requires close collaboration with scientists, architects, engineers, designers, operations teams, and other institutional stakeholders to scope, design, equip, and operate a major new research institute.

Key Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Planning & Design
• Lead the strategic design of the laboratory, greenhouse and plant growth spaces tailored to the specific needs of the research in the Institute (wet labs, ancillary/support labs, plant growth chambers and greenhouses, potting and soil-handling areas, BSL-2 spaces, etc.).
• Ensure the facility is designed to satisfy the infrastructure and utility requirements of the research programs (e.g., workflow, HVAC, water purification, power, fume hoods, gas supplies, biosecurity, compliance and containment features).
• Ensure infrastructure supports unique plant science requirements, such as phenotyping platforms, advanced imaging suites, and automated cultivation systems.
• Ensure flexibility and scalability in the facility design to accommodate changing research landscapes and technology innovations.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Plant Biology Institute and architects, contractors, and other institutional project managers on all matters concerning the Plant Biology Institute research infrastructure.
• Facilitate communication between research staff, facilities teams, and external consultants connected to building design and operation.
• Prepare infrastructure reports, budget updates, and risk assessments for senior leadership and funding stakeholders.

• Laboratory Setup & Commissioning, Equipment Scoping and procurement
• Lead commissioning of new lab spaces: Ensure infrastructure (gas lines, exhaust, benching, containment systems) meets research specifications and is designed for future adaptability and expansion.
• Ensure biosafety, GMO compliance, and environmental controls: Integrate biosafety, genetically modified organism (GMO) compliance, and environmental controls into the design and operational readiness plans.
• Collaborate with biosafety officers and EH&S teams: Work closely with Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) teams and biosafety officers to embed safety features from design through to occupancy.
• Work with researchers and procurement team to select and procure core equipment: Partner with researchers and procurement teams to identify and acquire essential equipment (e.g., PCR machines, centrifuges, fume hoods) that align with research needs.

• Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• Bachelor\’s degree required; Master’s or PhD preferred in Plant Science, Biological Engineering, Architecture/Facilities Planning, or a related and relevant scientific/technical discipline.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in research infrastructure, laboratory planning, or scientific facilities management.
• Experience managing lab or greenhouse construction or renovation projects in academic or industrial research environments.

• Technical Knowledge
• Familiarity with laboratory workflows related to plant science, especially genetic transformation, cell culture, plant growth (plant care) and plant phenotypic analysis (genetic, biochemical and physiological).
• Understanding of growth environment requirements (lighting, temperature, humidity control) for plant growth cabinets, growth chambers, and greenhouses.
• Knowledge of biosafety and GMO-related infrastructure needs.

• Key attributes
• Exceptional communication, organisational and leadership skills.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with attention to accuracy and detail

• 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 programme.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Strategy/Planning and Science
• Industries: Research Services

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