Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Pellock lab) - Generative Biology Institute

Postdoctoral Researchers are needed for the Pellock Lab at the Generative Biology Institute (GBI) of the Ellison Institute of Technology. The Lab, led by Principal Investigator Sam Pellock, focuses on the design and characterization of novel enzymes to explore new chemistry, develop sustainable approaches for processing and building new materials, and deepen understanding of enzyme function.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments, including developing novel methodologies and adapting existing techniques to new applications.
• Analyze complex datasets using computational and statistical tools, interpreting results in the context of broader research goals.
• Contribute intellectually 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

• Completed a PhD in a relevant field (synthetic biology, computational biology and AI, microbial, plant and human cell biology, genomics, robotics and automation, or nucleic acids chemistry).
• Track record of delivering ambitious research projects to a high standard.
• Strong background 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

• Competitive salary + 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

• Must be eligible to work in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• Sponsorship for suitable visas may be considered, subject to case‑by‑case assessment.
• Must be based in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford, or be willing to relocate.
• During peak periods, longer hours may be required, and working across multiple time zones may occur due to the global nature of the programme.
• This is a 4‑year contract.