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, and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.
Welcome to the Pathogen Project: Within this ecosystem, the Pathogen Project exemplifies EIT's dedication to ground-breaking science. It seeks to transform pathogen risk management, detection and response by leveraging Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)-based metagenomic and pathogen-specific analytical tools. The goal is to power metagenomic devices using long-read sequencing technologies by building a comprehensive database of pathogen information to inform response.
Your Role: At EIT we are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join the Pathogen Program and support the generation of high-quality microbiology and genomics data. We're building a reference and innovation laboratory focused on large-scale antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) profiling of bacterial isolates, alongside sequencing-based characterisation. The laboratory is being developed as a highly automated environment, integrating robotics, data systems, and advanced instrumentation to enable scalable and reproducible workflows.
Key Responsibilities:
- Laboratory Testing, Design and Data Generation
- Perform AST and MIC testing of bacterial isolates following established protocols (EUCAST/CLSI).
- Contribute to the design and improvement of laboratory workflows, including assay setup, sample handling, and data generation processes.
- Prepare and handle microbial cultures under BSL-2 conditions, including plating, inoculation, and incubation.
- Operate phenotyping platforms (e.g. Thermo Fisher Sensititre or equivalent systems).
- Support sample processing workflows for sequencing, including DNA extraction and library preparation.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, contributing to shared project and team objectives.
- Laboratory Operations, Quality and Automation
- Execute laboratory workflows with a strong focus on quality, consistency, and reproducibility.
- Record experimental data accurately in laboratory systems.
- Perform quality control checks and flag deviations or unexpected results.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, consumables, and workspaces in good working order.
- Work with and support automated laboratory platforms, including setup, operation, and basic troubleshooting.
- Ensure compliance with biosafety and laboratory standards.
- Workflow Development, Automation and Collaboration
- Work closely with microbiologists, genomics scientists, and automation engineers to support and improve workflows.
- Contribute to the design and optimisation of high-throughput laboratory processes.
- Support the implementation and continuous improvement of workflows on robotic and automated systems.
- Participate in team discussions and contribute ideas to improve efficiency, robustness, and scalability.
Requirements:
- Essential skills
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
- Hands-on experience in a wet-lab environment (academic or industry).
- Familiarity with basic microbiology techniques (e.g. culturing, plating, aseptic technique).
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and improve protocols.
- Good organisational and record-keeping skills.
- Desirable Skills
- Exposure to AST/MIC testing or clinical microbiology workflows.
- Experience working under BSL-2 conditions.
- Familiarity with laboratory data systems (LIMS).
- Experience with sequencing workflows (DNA extraction, library prep) or interest in genomics.
- Exposure to laboratory automation platforms (e.g. liquid handlers such as Hamilton or Opentrons).
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 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, Oxford (or be willing to relocate).
- This is a lab based role.
Research Assistant - Pathogen in Oxford employer: Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
The Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values organisation and efficiency. Employees benefit from a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to a meaningful mission in education and technology. Located in the vibrant city of Oxford, staff enjoy a dynamic atmosphere that fosters innovation and community engagement.
Contact Details:
Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant - Pathogen in Oxford
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford. This shows your passion for the industry!
