Head of Lab Systems and Engineering in Oxford

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford's purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity's most challenging problems. EIT Oxford will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

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 Oxford is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone's experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity's most enduring challenges.

We are seeking a forward-thinking Head of Lab Systems and Engineering to lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of our laboratory technology and infrastructure. This is a key leadership role that ensures our researchers have access to state-of-the-art systems, advanced automation, and robust IT frameworks. You will drive the engineering strategy, optimize lab processes, and foster a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Technology Leadership: Design and deliver advanced laboratory technology, IT systems, and engineering solutions that align with research needs and organisational goals.
• Infrastructure Management: Oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of laboratory IT infrastructure, including data systems, networks, and digital platforms.
• Operational Efficiency: Ensure the maintenance, calibration, and lifecycle management of laboratory equipment and technology to guarantee maximum uptime and performance.
• Collaboration: Partner with research leaders, IT, and external vendors to deliver scalable and future-ready lab technology and infrastructure solutions.
• Compliance and Security: Ensure laboratory systems meet all regulatory, health, safety, and data security standards while driving best practices for operational excellence.
• Innovation: Identify and evaluate emerging lab technologies and IT innovations to enhance research capabilities and improve operational workflows.
• Leadership: Proven experience leading technical teams and managing complex technology and infrastructure projects.
• IT Systems: Strong knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS), data storage, cloud computing, and networking within a scientific environment.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot complex systems, anticipate challenges, and deliver innovative solutions.
• Project Management: Strong skills in planning, prioritizing, and delivering large-scale technology and infrastructure projects on time and within budget.
• Collaboration: Exceptional interpersonal skills to engage cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Experience: Significant experience managing laboratory operations, engineering systems, and IT infrastructure in a research-intensive or technical environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience working in research-intensive and talent dense environments or multidisciplinary scientific institutions.
• Familiarity with automation, robotics, and advanced data acquisition systems.
• Understanding of regulatory compliance (e.g., GLP, ISO standards) in laboratory environments.
• Experience managing large-scale procurement, equipment lifecycle planning, and vendor relationships.
• Ability to translate technical complexity into actionable strategies for non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience with cybersecurity protocols and data integrity best practices in scientific research environments.

Benefits

• Salary: Competitive, depending on experience + travel allowance + bonus
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric Car Scheme

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.