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- Tasks: Lead metabolic analysis and modelling to drive innovative plant science research.
- Company: Join the Ellison Institute of Technology, a leader in tackling global challenges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced holiday, private medical insurance, and more.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact on food security and climate change through cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in metabolic analysis or modelling required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
About EIT
At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we are on a mission to translate scientific discovery into real world impact. We bring together visionary scientists, technologists, engineers, researchers, educators and innovators to tackle humanity's greatest challenges across four transformative areas:
- Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
- Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
- Climate Change & Managing COâ‚‚
- Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
Welcome to the Plant Biology Institute
The Plant Biology Institute, headed by Professor Steve Kelly, is a key part of the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford. The institute aims to develop impactful and commercially sustainable solutions for improving global food production and planetary health through pioneering plant science research.
The Plant Biology Institute will unite world-class researchers focused on expanding the frontiers of plant science. Our research is geared toward enhancing our ability to feed the planet while simultaneously improving climate and ecosystem outcomes of food production. By embedding cutting-edge plant science research within an organization focused on solving global challenges at scale, we accelerate the timeline from discovery to impact.
Areas of exploration include:
- Improved plant productivity, both indoors and outside
- Reduced reliance on inputs including water, fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides
- Novel decarbonised plant-based production platforms for food and medicines
- Advanced technologies that speed up discovery and deployment in plants
Researchers will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory and plant growth facilities and opportunities to collaborate with experts on AI, automation, and generative biology across the EIT ecosystem. They will also work with global leaders in market development, commercialisation and impact creation. The Plant Biology Institute has long-term substantial funding to support its unique scale and ambition.
Your Role
We are seeking an accomplished leader to serve as Head of Metabolic Analysis and Modelling for the Plant Biology Institute. This pivotal role will shape a newly established and rapidly scaling institute that aspires to become a global leader in delivering scientific breakthroughs with real-world impact.
The successful candidate will establish and lead PBI's metabolic analysis, delivering analytical capabilities and workflows to support PBI's trait and technology research groups. This role requires close collaboration with research scientists working across a broad range of projects, including plant and microbial metabolic engineering, plant breeding, and plant phenotyping. The role will involve working with institutional stakeholders to scope, design, equip, and operate a new function within the research institute.
Your Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Institute's metabolic analysis, delivering robust, scalable analytical frameworks to provide metabolite and metabolic modelling analysis to support plant biology research programmes
- Define and implement a strategic vision for integrative metabolic analysis that aligns with the Institute's scientific priorities and long-term goals
- Drive the development and application of predictive models of plant metabolism, resource use, and productivity to inform experimental design and technology development
- Design, implement, and maintain advanced analysis workflows and pipelines for the integration and analysis of multi-omics and high-throughput biological datasets
- Develop reproducible, well-documented, and version-controlled analysis frameworks, supporting transparency, open science, and collaborative research
- Ensure analytical platforms are robust, scalable, and interoperable, supporting both exploratory research and translational applications
- Remain at the forefront of emerging methods in metabolic analysis, metabolic modelling, machine learning, and data-driven biology, identifying opportunities to apply new tools to accelerate discovery
- Work closely with experimental scientists, Group Leaders and technology teams across all of EIT to co-develop analytical approaches that directly support experimental programmes and strategic research questions in PBI
- Translate complex computational outputs into clear biological insights, enabling informed decision-making across research and translational activities
- Build sustainable capability in metabolic analysis, metabolic modelling and integrative analysis, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous innovation
- Manage resources – including personnel, equipment, and budgets – in coordination with the senior leadership team
Requirements
- Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent experience) in metabolic analysis, systems biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, data science, applied mathematics or a related field
- Substantial experience leading metabolic analysis or modelling functions within a research-intensive or scientific environment
- Proven expertise in metabolic modelling, constraint-based modelling, systems biology or integrative multi-omics analysis
- Strong technical background in programming and data engineering (e.g. Python, Linux environments, workflow management systems, databases, APIs)
- Experience designing and delivering scalable, end-to-end analytical solutions for complex biological datasets
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines, translating computational outputs into actionable biological and strategic insight
- Track record of building, mentoring and leading high-performing teams
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to articulate the strategic value of modelling and analytics to diverse audiences
Benefits
- Competitive salary + travel allowance + bonus
- Enhanced holiday + options to buy additional days
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Private Medical Insurance
- Hospital Cash Plan
- Therapy Services
- Perk Box
- Electric Car Scheme
- Childcare benefit
What We Offer
- Newly constructed, state-of-the-art laboratories and growth facilities, core scientific and operational support and substantial core funding
- A collaborative research environment with highly skilled team working at the cutting edge of plant science to create commercially sustainable solutions that tackle humanity's biggest challenges, including enabling sustainable agriculture and improving the climate and ecosystem outcomes of food production
- Opportunities for professional development including publication, conferences, IP portfolio creation, spin-out generation and leadership development
Head of Metabolic Analysis and Modelling - Plant Biology Institute in Oxford employer: Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
Contact Detail:
Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Metabolic Analysis and Modelling - Plant Biology Institute in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups related to plant biology and metabolic analysis. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or colleagues, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge about metabolic analysis and modelling. This will not only demonstrate your passion but also position you as a go-to person in your field.
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage social media! Platforms like LinkedIn are goldmines for job seekers. Follow companies like the Ellison Institute of Technology, engage with their posts, and share your insights on relevant topics. This keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people at the Plant Biology Institute.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Metabolic Analysis and Modelling - Plant Biology Institute in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Metabolic Analysis and Modelling role. Highlight your relevant experience in metabolic analysis and how it aligns with our mission at the Plant Biology Institute.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in programming, data engineering, and metabolic modelling can contribute to our research goals. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your past experiences and achievements. We appreciate brevity but also want to understand your journey and vision.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
✨Know Your Metabolic Analysis Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and techniques in metabolic analysis and modelling. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the role at the Plant Biology Institute. This shows that you’re not just familiar with the field, but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with various research scientists and stakeholders, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights, as this will resonate well with their focus on teamwork and innovation.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to programming, data engineering, and analytical frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of Python, Linux environments, and multi-omics analysis. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will demonstrate your technical prowess and readiness for the challenges ahead.
✨Articulate Your Vision
Think about how you would define and implement a strategic vision for integrative metabolic analysis. Be prepared to discuss your ideas on how to align this vision with the institute's long-term goals. This will show that you’re not only a fit for the role but also a forward-thinking leader who can drive impactful change.
