Senior Scientist Applications - Pathogen

Ellison Institute of Technology; Town of Oxford; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to join their Applications team. This role involves developing innovative diagnostic tests for infectious diseases using cutting-edge genomic technologies. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant scientific field and substantial experience with molecular biology and genomic techniques. Candidates must be organized, innovative, and possess strong problem-solving skills. Competitive benefits are offered along with the opportunity to make a significant impact in health science.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Private Medical Insurance

Income Protection

Life Assurance

Therapy Services

Electrical Car Scheme

Perk Box

Hospital Cash Plan

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
• In-depth expertise in genomics and metagenomics.
• Hands-on experience in designing and prototyping molecular assays.

Responsibilities

• Research and design diagnostic assays for infectious diseases.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve diagnostic approaches.
• Automate diagnostic assays for cost-effectiveness.

Skills

Expertise in genomics

Molecular biology techniques

Laboratory operations management

Prototyping molecular assays

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Problem-solving skills

Education

PhD in molecular biology, genomics, or related field

Job description

At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we’re on a mission to translate scientific discovery into real world impact. We bring together visionary scientists, technologists, policy makers, and entrepreneurs 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 Pathogen Project:

Within this ecosystem, the Pathogen Project exemplifies EIT’s dedication to ground‑breaking science. It seeks to transform pathogen risk management, detection and response by leveraging Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)-based metagenomic and pathogen‑specific analytical tools. The goal is to power metagenomic devices using long‑read sequencing technologies by building a comprehensive database of pathogen information to inform response. by Oracle Inc.’s cloud‑computing scale and security, the Pathogen Project is advancing toward certified diagnostic tools for deployment in laboratories, hospitals, and public health organisations worldwide.

Your Role:

At EIT we are seeking an experienced and detail‑oriented Senior Scientist to join our Applications team, focused on developing cutting‑edge diagnostic tests for infectious. The role emphasises metagenomics but also includes a range of sequencing and non‑sequencing‑based approaches. Ideal candidates will have strong experience with sequencing technologies, and a proven track record of developing end‑to‑end clinical diagnostic applications in either academic or industrial environments.

In this position you will work with a small agile team to deliver prototype diagnostic assays in a fast‑paced, start‑up‑like environment. Strong problem‑solving, troubleshooting, and molecular biology skills are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• To research, design and prototype diagnostic assays for important infectious disease syndromes (e.g. respiratory tract infections) using the latest sequencing technologies (long and short read)
• To work with internal and external stakeholders to identify innovative approaches to simplify and reduce time and cost of metagenomic diagnostic approaches, from sample collection to result
• Work closely with experts to automate diagnostic assays, leading to cost‑effective, easy to use tests
• Work closely with AMR, Informatic and Machine Learning colleagues ensure the tests provide accurate pathogen ID, AMR and relatedness results
• Engage with industry and academic experts to identify and assess promising new technologies relevant to the aims and objectives of the team

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. molecular biology, genomics, microbiology, virology or a related field)
• In‑depth expertise in genomics and/or metagenomics
• Strong foundation in molecular biology techniques and applications
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory operations and personnel management
• A proven track record of achievement in academic and/or industrial research settings
• Hands‑on experience in the design, development, and prototyping of molecular assays, particularly in areas such as infectious diseases, oncology, human genetics, plant or food pathogens, or veterinary diagnostics
• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, with the ability to effectively communicate across scientific domains

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Background in microbiology, virology and/or infectious diseases
• Familiarity with clinical metagenomics applications and workflows
• Foundational skills in bioinformatics, particularly in the analysis of genomic or metagenomic data

Key Attributes:

• Innovative thinker with a proactive approach to problem‑solving and technology development
• Strong troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify and resolve complex technical issues
• Highly organised, with excellent time management and prioritisation abilities
• Effective communicator with strong presentation skills and a proven track record of delivering to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability in technology horizon scanning and staying abreast of emerging scientific trends
• Proven leadership skills, with experience guiding teams and driving projects to successful outcomes

We offer the following benefits:

• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electrical Car Scheme

Working Together – What It Involves:

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. In certain cases, we can consider sponsorship, and this will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford (or be willing to relocate).