At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research in plant biology to tackle global challenges.
- Company: Join the Ellison Institute of Technology, a leader in sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced holiday pay, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities and strong funding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food production and climate change with cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: 6+ years of postdoctoral or relevant industry experience required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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 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.
EIT is seeking multiple exceptional and motivated Research Group Leaders to play pivotal roles in the newly established and rapidly expanding Plant Biology Institute. The Institute focuses on high-impact scientific challenges with the broader goal of tackling some of humanity's greatest challenges through sustainable, scalable agricultural innovation. These are leadership roles in a rapidly growing research group within a newly established Plant Biology Institute working on the following topic areas:
- Biological nitrogen fixation in plants.
- Novel decarbonised plant-based production platforms for food and medicines.
- Advanced technologies in plant genome editing and transformation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Research Leadership: Develop and execute a focused research programme, aligned with the group/institute's broader strategy and working closely with the Senior Group Leader, working through stage gated milestones based on validated lab data/field research. Recruit and lead a group of researchers, supervising projects and providing scientific direction for the research discipline and maintain a positive, engaged culture, in line with EIT Oxford values. Support the management of research projects, providing strategic guidance and scientific input.
- Excellent Technical Research: Direct the activities of the research programme by carrying out some projects personally and overseeing projects delegated to group members. Design and execute research experiments to the highest scientific standard. 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 and scientific publications.
- Research Designed for Impact: Understand the path to impact for the research programme. Design and execute programs that consider user feedback and market research in developing research experiments to ensure that all research programs are value and purpose driven. Collaborate with experts at the forefront of research on AI, automation, and generative biology across the EIT ecosystem. Work with global leaders in market development, commercialisation, and impact creation within the Plant Biology Institute and wider EIT ecosystem. Work, where appropriate, with translational teams to translate the results of research into commercial opportunities consistent with EIT's humane endeavours. Recognise and act on opportunities for the creation of IP and cooperating in patent protection and in impact delivery. Publish high-impact research and represent the Institute at national and international conferences.
Requirements:
- At least 6 years postdoctoral research experience or relevant industry experience or independent research fellow experience.
- Be an established or emerging thought leader in their field.
- Proven ability to manage scientific output individually and as part of a team of researchers.
- Strategic thinker with experience delivering against long term strategic research programs.
- A track record of developing new research, products, and technologies.
- Project management, communication and resource allocation experience.
Benefits:
What we offer: Newly constructed, state-of-the-art laboratories and growth facilities with substantial core funding to support a research group. 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, IP portfolio creation, 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.
Group Leaders employer: Ellison Institute of Technology
The Ellison Institute of Technology is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and resilience. Located in Littlemore, Oxford, the state-of-the-art facilities provide researchers with unparalleled access to cutting-edge technology and resources, alongside substantial funding for impactful projects. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a commitment to addressing global challenges, EIT empowers its employees to make meaningful contributions while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Ellison Institute of Technology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Leaders
✨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!
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✨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!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Leaders
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 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.
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 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
✨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. 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'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. This shows your passion for the industry!
