Research Assistant (Parts Lab) - Generative Biology Institute in Oxford

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 in four transformative areas:

• Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
• Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
• Climate Change & Managing CO₂
• Artificial Intelligence & Robotics

This ambitious work demands curiosity, courage, and a relentless drive to make a difference. At EIT, you will join a community built on excellence, innovation, tenacity, trust, and collaboration, where bold ideas become real-world breakthroughs.

Welcome to the Generative Biology Institute. The Generative Biology Institute (GBI) at EIT tackles the key challenges of making biology engineerable, unlocking its power for humanity. Its vision is to lay foundations for engineering biology and apply these solutions to health, agriculture, clean energy, and more.

About the Parts Lab: We are seeking ambitious, creative, and highly skilled Research Assistants to join the Parts Lab at GBI. Led by Principal Investigator Leopold Parts, the lab gathers data missing from current DNA function models, develops predictive frameworks for synthetic DNA behaviour, and applies engineering tools to create mammalian chromosomes with defined functional properties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in scientific studies and experiments by collecting and analysing data under the guidance of senior scientists.
• Perform routine laboratory tasks such as preparing samples, setting up equipment, and maintaining lab safety protocols.
• Analyse experimental data using software tools and prepare reports and presentations of findings.
• Support the Research Group in developing written materials, including publications, conference presentations, and laboratory protocols.
• Carry out desk-based research to establish the state of the art in scientific areas related to GBI work.
• Stay current on scientific advancements and technologies related to synthetic biology through journals, conferences, and other academic resources.
• Provide general day-to-day support to the wider team and any other duties requested by the group leader.

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

Requirements:

• Extensive experience with mammalian genome engineering using CRISPR/Cas systems, recombinases, transposons, and other tools.
• Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture (cancer cell lines, human primary or stem cells).
• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science).
• Previous experience working in a research laboratory.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-growth, fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience with problem solving involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.

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 – What It Involves:

You must be eligible to work in the UK and be willing to travel as necessary. Employment visa sponsorship may be available on a case-by-case basis. You must be based in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford. During peak periods, longer hours and working across multiple time zones may be required due to the global nature of the programme.