Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Jamali Lab) - Generative Biology Institute in Oxford

At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we translate scientific discovery into real-world impact. We bring together scientists, technologists, engineers, researchers, educators and innovators to tackle humanity's greatest challenges in four areas: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology; Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture; Climate Change & Managing CO₂; Artificial Intelligence & Robotics. This work demands curiosity, courage, and a relentless drive to make a difference. We value excellence, innovation, tenacity, trust, and collaboration, and aim to turn bold ideas into real-world breakthroughs.

The Generative Biology Institute (GBI) at the Ellison Institute of Technology tackles challenges in making biology engineerable and unlocking its potential for humanity. The vision is to engineer biology by writing in the natural language of biology and by understanding what to write to generate functional biological systems. This will enable transformative solutions across health, agriculture, clean energy and more. The Generative Biology Institute commenced operations in 2025 in Oxford Science Park.

We are seeking ambitious, creative, and highly skilled Postdoctoral Researchers to join the Jamali Lab at the GBI. The lab focuses on developing new computational methods for the design of conformationally dynamic and functional enzymes, using generative protein design models that capture dynamics and function, as catalysis depends on motion. Collaborators at the Generative Biology Institute will help evolve designs in vivo, so every generation informs the next.

How to Apply

In your cover letter, clearly explain your fit, interest, and relevant experience for joining this group. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and should be submitted exclusively through the EIT job portal. If you would like to discuss this role in more detail before applying, please contact Kiarash Jamali at kiarash.jamali@eit.org. Due to the volume of applications, the review and decision process may take 3–6 months.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments, including developing novel methodologies and adapting existing techniques to new applications.
• Analyse complex datasets using computational and statistical tools, interpreting results in the context of broader research goals.
• Contribute to the research direction by identifying opportunities for innovation and refining research questions.
• Prepare and publish high-quality scientific papers, reports, presentations, and protocols.
• Present research at national and international conferences, seminars, and internal meetings.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams within GBI, EIT, and external partners to advance complementary workstreams.
• Build and maintain research infrastructure, laboratory capabilities, and cutting-edge technologies.
• Mentor and support junior researchers, including PhD students and research assistants.
• Translate research findings into commercial or translational opportunities aligned with EIT's mission.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for intellectual property generation and protection.
• Ensure research activities comply with EIT's policies, legal requirements, and best scientific practice.

This list is not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to undertake additional tasks and duties commensurate with the role.

Requirements

Essential and Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Completed a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., synthetic biology, computational biology and AI, microbial, plant and human cell biology, genomics, robotics and automation, and nucleic acids chemistry).
• Track record of delivering ambitious research projects to a high standard.
• Strong track record in research, ideally in molecular biology, synthetic biology, or related fields.
• Skilled in data analysis and interpretation; experience with genomic analysis, automation, or computational tools desirable.
• Proven ability to work independently, think creatively, and solve complex experimental problems.
• Experience publishing in high-impact journals and presenting at international conferences.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience collaborating in multidisciplinary teams.
• Capacity to build and sustain productive collaborations internally and externally.
• Resilience, adaptability, and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, high-growth research environment.

Benefits

Salary: Competitive + travel allowance + bonus. Enhanced holiday pay, Pension, Life Assurance, Income Protection, Private Medical Insurance, Hospital Cash Plan, Therapy Services, Perk Box, Electric Car Scheme.

Working Together

You must be eligible to work in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. We may sponsor employment visas for this role on a case-by-case basis. Must be based in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford. Some longer hours and coordinating across multiple time zones may be required during peak periods.