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- Tasks: Conduct transformative plant science research and translate lab work into real-world solutions.
- Company: Ellison Institute of Technology, a leader in innovative science and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced holiday pay, private medical insurance, and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Why this job: Make a global impact on food production and planetary health through cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD in Plant Biology or related field with strong research and communication skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for publication and leadership development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Research Assistant/Post Doc – Plant Biology Institute
About EIT
Led by a world‑class faculty of scientists, technologists, policy makers, economists and entrepreneurs, the Ellison Institute of Technology aims to develop and deploy commercially sustainable solutions to solve some of humanity\’s most enduring challenges. Our work is guided by four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology; Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture; Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2; and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.
Set for completion in 2027, the EIT Campus in Littlemore will include more than 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, educational and gathering spaces. Fuelled by growing ambition and the strength of Oxford\’s science ecosystem, EIT is now expanding its footprint to a 2 million sq ft Campus across the western part of The Oxford Science Park. Designed by Foster + Partners led by Lord Norman Foster, this will become a transformative workplace for up to 7,000 people, with autonomous laboratories, purpose‑built laboratories including a plant sciences building and dynamic spaces to spark interdisciplinary collaboration.
EIT fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity\’s enduring challenges.
About the Plant Biology Institute
The Plant Biology Institute, headed by Professor Steve Kelly, is a key part of the Ellison Institute of Technology. The institute aims to develop impactful and commercially sustainable solutions for improving global food production and planetary health through pioneering plant science research.
The Plant Biology Institute will unite world‑class researchers who are focused on expanding the frontiers of plant science. Our research is focused on enhancing our ability to feed the planet while simultaneously improving the climate and ecosystem outcomes of food production. By embedding cutting‑edge plant science research within an organisation that is focused on solving global challenges at scale, we aim to accelerate the timeline from discovery to global impact.
Areas of Exploration
- 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.
Job Summary
EIT is seeking highly motivated and skilled Research Assistant/Post Docs to join its pioneering Plant Biology Institute, contributing to transformative research in the areas of biological nitrogen fixation, novel decarbonised plant‑based production platforms for food and medicines, or advanced technologies for plant transformation and genome editing. This role offers a unique opportunity to conduct high‑impact research at the forefront of plant science while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to drive innovation from lab to global impact. The successful candidate will design and execute complex experiments, contribute to publications and IP generation, and play an active role in translating research into real‑world and commercial solutions aligned with EIT\’s mission of humane technological advancement. This is an exciting opportunity to develop as a scientific leader in a dynamic, well‑supported, and purpose‑driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute research experiments in one of the following topic areas: Biological nitrogen fixation in plants; Novel decarbonised plant‑based production platforms for food and medicines; Advanced technologies for plant transformation and genome editing.
- Identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
- Maintain accurate records, analyse data and use appropriate statistical tools to contribute to progress reports, scientific publications, and intellectual property protection.
Collaboration and Communication
- 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, including contributing to laboratory‑wide discussions on developments within the field.
- Assist in mentoring graduate students and other members of the research group where appropriate
- Collaborate with experts at the forefront of research on AI, automation, and generative biology across the EIT ecosystem.
Research Designed for Impact
- Draft scientific papers and contribute to preparation of publications
- Assist in the translation of scientific results into commercial opportunities consistent with the EIT humane endeavours
- Recognise the acting on opportunities for the creation of IP and cooperate in patent protection and in impact delivery
Requirements
Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience
- Completed PhD in a relevant discipline such as Plant Biology, Molecular Biotechnology or Biotechnology
- Strong research background in relevant research areas for the post
- Understand (or have a desire to understand) the path to impact for the research area in question and where appropriate consider user feedback and market research in designing research experiments
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research to the highest standard, and to publish results in peer‑reviewed journals
- Ability to build both internal and external relationships, working collaboratively with others outside of their discipline
- Clear and demonstrable problem‑solving skills
- Excellent written communication and report writing skills
Benefits
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 to create commercially sustainable solutions that tackle humanity\’s biggest challenges, including enabling sustainable agriculture and improving the climate and ecosystem outcomes of food production
- Opportunities for professional development including publication, conferences, spin‑out generation, and leadership development
We offer the following salary and benefits
- Competitive salary
- Enhanced holiday pay
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Private Medical Insurance
- Hospital Cash Plan
- Therapy Services
- Perk Box
- Electric Car Scheme
Why work for EIT
At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!
Terms of Appointment
- 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
- During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme
Seniority Level
- Entry level
Employment Type
- Full‑time
Job Function
- Other
Industry
- IT Services and IT Consulting
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Research Assistant/Post Doc - Plant Biology Institute employer: Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
Contact Detail:
Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant/Post Doc - Plant Biology Institute
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the plant biology field, attend relevant seminars, and engage with researchers at EIT. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your research work, including any publications or presentations. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible evidence of your expertise can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to the Plant Biology Institute and express your interest in their work. A well-timed email can make a lasting impression and might lead to an opportunity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your passion for plant science. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at EIT!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant/Post Doc - Plant Biology Institute
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Assistant/Post Doc role. Highlight your relevant experience in plant biology and any specific projects that align with EIT's focus areas. We want to see how you can contribute to our transformative research!
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, emphasise your research background and any publications you've contributed to. We love seeing evidence of your ability to conduct independent research and your understanding of the path to impact in plant science.
Communicate Clearly: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your documents well. Remember, we want to understand your ideas and experiences easily!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our mission at EIT.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into the latest research and breakthroughs in plant biology. Familiarise yourself with the specific projects at the Plant Biology Institute and think about how your background aligns with their goals. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Given the collaborative nature of the role, be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams. Think of examples where you successfully collaborated across disciplines or mentored others. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to build relationships will be key.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss challenges you've faced in your research and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for this role.
✨Understand the Path to Impact
Research how the Plant Biology Institute translates lab work into real-world solutions. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this mission, including any ideas you have for commercial opportunities or IP creation. Showing that you understand the broader implications of your work will set you apart.
