At a Glance
- Tasks: Engineer microbial strains to enhance nitrogen fixation in crops and improve agricultural sustainability.
- Company: Join the Ellison Institute of Technology, a leader in transformative plant science research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced holiday, private medical insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact on food security and climate change through innovative research.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field with experience in microbial strain engineering and molecular biology.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Join us at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), where 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'll join a community built on excellence, innovation, tenacity, trust, and collaboration, where bold ideas become real-world breakthroughs.
Welcome to the Plant Biology Institute, headed by Professor Steve Kelly. The institute aims to develop impactful and commercially sustainable solutions for improving global food production and planetary health through pioneering plant science research. Our research focuses on enhancing our ability to feed the planet while simultaneously improving the climate and ecosystem outcomes of food production.
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 have opportunities to collaborate with experts at the forefront of research 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 the unique scale and ambition of its vision.
Your Role: The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher in Microbial Strain Engineering to join its pioneering Plant Biology Institute to contribute to the ‘Biological Nitrogen Fixation' program. This initiative seeks to engineer biological nitrogen fixation into widely grown crop plants to improve yields and reduce global reliance on synthetic fertilisers.
Your Responsibilities: The Postdoctoral Researcher will genetically engineer diazotrophic microbial organisms to generate novel modified strains using established molecular biology and genetic engineering/genome editing methodologies. The successful candidate will perform nitrogen fixation assays and high-throughput microbial growth assays under diazotrophic conditions to assess the nitrogen-fixation capacities of different strains. Insights generated from this work will inform and accelerate our synthetic biology strategy.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in biological nitrogen fixation and microbial strain engineering of nitrogen-fixing model organisms. This role offers a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact research at the forefront of plant science while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to incorporate cutting-edge research techniques into experiments
- Present scientific work at seminars within the lab and at external meetings
- Assist in mentoring graduate students and other members of the research group
- Draft scientific papers and contribute to preparation of publications
- Assist in the translation of scientific results into commercial opportunities
Requirements: Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:
- Completed PhD in a relevant discipline
- Strong research background and competency in relevant research skills
- Demonstrated experience in microbial strain engineering in model diazotrophic microorganisms
- Demonstrated experience in microbial experimentation and handling under microaerobic or anaerobic conditions
- Strong proficiency in molecular biology
- Excellent skills in experimental design, data analysis, statistical evaluation, and visualisation
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research to the highest standard
- Ability to build both internal and external relationships
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Demonstrated expertise in protein structural modelling
- Demonstrated expertise in enzyme structure-guided rational protein engineering or directed evolution
Benefits: Salary dependent on experience + 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. A collaborative research environment with highly skilled team working at the cutting edge of plant science.
Required Application Materials: Two letters of reference.
Postdoc: Microbial Strain Engineer for Nitrogen Fixation employer: Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and excellence. Our state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to professional development empower our researchers to make meaningful contributions to global challenges, particularly in sustainable agriculture and environmental health. With competitive benefits and a focus on translating scientific discoveries into real-world impact, EIT is the ideal place for passionate individuals looking to advance their careers while making a difference.
Contact Details:
Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoc: Microbial Strain Engineer for Nitrogen Fixation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of microbial strain engineering and plant science. Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups to make those valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research projects, publications, and any relevant work. This will help you stand out during interviews and give potential employers a glimpse of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating how your experience aligns with EIT's mission and the specific role you're applying for.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at EIT. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight how your background in nitrogen fixation and microbial engineering fits into our goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoc: Microbial Strain Engineer for Nitrogen Fixation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoc role. Highlight your experience in microbial strain engineering and nitrogen fixation, as this will show us you’re a perfect fit for our ambitious goals at EIT.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with our mission. Use specific examples from your research that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description to grab our attention.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. This will help us understand your background and expertise quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your materials reach us directly and are considered promptly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest research in microbial strain engineering and nitrogen fixation. Be ready to discuss your previous work and how it relates to the role at EIT. This shows your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into your technical skills, especially around molecular biology techniques and high-throughput assays. Practise explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely, as this will demonstrate your expertise and communication skills.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
EIT values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past projects. Highlight any cross-disciplinary work, as this aligns with their mission of tackling global challenges together.
✨Think About Real-World Impact
EIT is all about translating scientific discovery into real-world solutions. Be ready to discuss how your research can contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security. This will show that you understand the bigger picture and are aligned with their goals.
