Lead, AI & Automation for Plant Transformation

Ellison Institute, LLC

Oxford

Hybrid

GBP 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Electric Car Scheme

Childcare benefit

Job summary

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford, via its Plant Biology Institute, invites applications for a senior Lead for AI & Automation for Plant Transformation. You will guide robotics, computer vision, and data infrastructure to transform and accelerate plant transformation workflows, ensuring scalable, data-rich platforms and commercially relevant outcomes.

The role emphasizes cross-disciplinary leadership, collaboration with AIR and external partners, and translation of research into

Qualifications

PhD in Plant Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, or Plant Biotechnology.
Experience in plant regeneration, morphogenesis, and transformation systems.
Strong project leadership and cross-functional coordination.
Ability to translate mechanistic biology into practical applications.
Experience with planning tools like spreadsheets, LIMS, ELN or Confluence.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Provide plant sciences subject matter expertise to design, develop and implement automated robotic systems for transformation and tissue culture workflows.
Co‑develop computer vision systems for the transformation pipeline, validation of phenotyping and automation tools, and performance optimization. Lead the data strategy and validation of predictive ML models to optimize transformation efficiency and regeneration success.
Partner with AIR and data engineering teams to establish robust data pipelines for predictive modelling using multilayer phenotyping and automation data in high‑throughput transformation pipelines.
Provide scientific and project leadership to researchers and engineers in applied AI/ML and automation engineering within a matrix team structure.
Co‑develop and manage project plans, timelines, and reporting frameworks to ensure delivery of technical milestones and progression towards deployable products
Provide oversight and accountability within PBI for this matrixed project team ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and commitments
Engage stakeholders across transformation team, wider PBI, AIR, and external partners to ensure transparent communication, progress reporting and expectation management. Contribute to long‑term digital transformation strategy.
Deploy automated robotic systems for transformation and tissue culture workflows.
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to incorporate cutting edge applied technologies to develop commercial products.
Present scientific work at seminars within EIT and at external meetings or conferences, including contributing to laboratory‑wide discussions on developments within the field.
To 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.
Provide regulate structure reporting on progress, risks and delivery status.
To assist in the translation of scientific results into publications, commercial opportunities consistent with the EIT humane endeavors.
Recognise the acting on opportunities for the creation of IP and cooperating in patent protection and in impact delivery.
Experience moving innovations beyond proof of concept and towards validated, scalable and impactful products.