At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research in nitrogen fixation and drive impactful scientific programmes.
- Company: Join the Ellison Institute of Technology, a leader in innovative plant science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced holiday, private medical insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in state-of-the-art facilities with a dynamic team focused on sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global food production and climate solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in research, project management, and collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Join us at EIT: 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
- Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
This is ambitious work - work that 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. Together, we push boundaries, embrace complexity, and create solutions to scale ideas from lab to society. Explore more at www.eit.org.
Welcome to the Plant Biology Institute: The Plant Biology Institute, headed by Professor Steve Kelly, is a key part of the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford. 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.
Your Role: At EIT we are seeking an inspiring and strategic Senior Group Leader/Group Leader in Nitrogen Fixation to lead a flagship research programme within its rapidly expanding Plant Biology Institute. This senior leadership position offers a unique opportunity to shape the scientific and operational foundations of a world‑class research team dedicated to developing innovative, purpose‑driven solutions in biological nitrogen fixation. You will play a central role in establishing EIT's global leadership in plant science by recruiting and managing top‑tier talent, forging impactful collaborations, and driving translational research from lab to field. With a clear focus on scientific excellence, commercial viability, and global impact, this role is ideal for a recognised thought leader ready to pioneer transformative science aligned with EIT's values and mission to tackle humanity's greatest challenges.
Your Responsibilities:
- Leadership: Contribute to the development and expansion of a newly established plant science institute which will scale rapidly over the next 5 years to become a global leader in plant science research aimed at tackling humanity's greatest challenges.
- Establish, lead, and continuously evolve a flagship research programme in biological nitrogen fixation in plants, with a particular emphasis on novel nitrogen fixing systems and advanced metabolic and protein engineering.
- Work with internal teams to define the path to impact for the research program.
- Design and execute research programs and ensure that all research programs are value and purpose driven.
- Recruit and lead a top talent team of research scientists including post docs and PhD candidates.
- Manage based on clear performance targets and with accountability.
- Maintain a positive, engaged culture, in line with EIT Oxford values.
Research designed for impact:
- Contribute to planning and communicating the scientific direction of the nitrogen fixation program which is aimed at engineering biological nitrogen fixation into plants.
- Direct the activities of the research group by supervising some projects personally and overseeing projects delegated to group members.
- Provide the intellectual energy and independent thinking necessary to lead a programme of cutting‑edge research and to shape the overall aims and success of the group.
- Drive rigorous experimental design, execution, and data interpretation, ensuring robust and reproducible scientific outcomes.
- Manage research program through stage gated milestones, with active, no/no‑go decisions based on validated research data.
- Design research programmes to enable delivery requirements to be considered through development and implementation.
- Identify pre‑emptive decisions to enable future scale‑up.
- Manage project resources - including personnel, equipment, and budgets - in coordination with the senior leadership team.
- Ensure research is conducted ethically and in compliance with EIT policy, regulatory guidance, and best scientific practice.
- Generate, maintain and manage collaborations with key teams across EIT Oxford and in the wider scientific and commercial ecosystem to accelerate the path to scientific discovery and impact.
- Maintain key stakeholder relationships.
- Work, where appropriate, with the translation team within EIT to translate the results of research into commercial opportunities consistent with EIT's humane endeavours.
- Recognise and act on opportunities for the creation and protection of intellectual property.
Requirements Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:
- Leader of research group(s) within academia or industry.
- Recognised thought leader in their field.
- Proven ability to manage scientific output for a team of PhDs/Post doctoral researchers.
- Experience delivering against long‑term strategic research programs.
- Experience of managing a large team of researchers and scientists.
- Project management, communication and resource allocation experience.
- Ability to build both internal and external relationships.
- Working collaboratively with others outside of their discipline.
Benefits Our Benefits:
- Competitive salary + 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, core scientific and operational support, with substantial core funding.
- 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.
(Senior) Group Leader, Nitrogen Fixation - Plant Biology Institute in Oxford employer: Ellison Institute of Technology
The Ellison Institute of Technology is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Oxford where innovation meets collaboration. As a Security Architect, you will not only contribute to cutting-edge research but also enjoy generous benefits such as enhanced holidays and a robust pension scheme, all while being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to addressing global challenges.
Contact Details:
Ellison Institute of Technology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land (Senior) Group Leader, Nitrogen Fixation - Plant Biology Institute in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the plant science field. Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or collaborations that could lead to your next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or collaborators, make sure to express your enthusiasm for nitrogen fixation and plant biology. Share your ideas and how they align with EIT's mission. A genuine spark can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage social media! Platforms like LinkedIn are goldmines for job seekers. Follow EIT and engage with their posts. Share relevant content and showcase your expertise. This not only keeps you on their radar but also demonstrates your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission at EIT. So, get your CV polished and hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace (Senior) Group Leader, Nitrogen Fixation - Plant Biology Institute in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in nitrogen fixation and plant biology, and show how your skills align with EIT's mission to tackle global challenges.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Group Leader, we want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven research projects. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity as much as complexity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute of Technology
✨Know Your Nitrogen Fixation
Make sure you brush up on the latest research and advancements in nitrogen fixation. Be prepared to discuss how your expertise aligns with the goals of the Plant Biology Institute and how you can contribute to their mission of improving global food production.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Group Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed research groups, fostered collaboration, and driven projects to completion. Highlight your experience in recruiting top talent and maintaining a positive team culture.
✨Emphasise Impact-Driven Research
EIT is all about translating scientific discovery into real-world impact. Be ready to discuss how you've designed and executed research programmes that are not only innovative but also have clear pathways to commercial viability and societal benefit.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
Collaboration is key at EIT. Think about how you've built relationships both within and outside your discipline. Be prepared to share examples of successful partnerships and how they led to impactful research outcomes. This will show that you're not just a great scientist, but also a team player.
