Lead Scientist AMR Applications - Pathogena

Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford is seeking a Lead Scientist in Antimicrobial Resistance to join its Applications team. This role focuses on developing cutting-edge diagnostic tools and prediction models for infectious diseases. Candidates should possess a strong background in antimicrobial resistance, molecular biology, and experience in lab management.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Perk Box

Electrical Car Scheme

Qualifications

• In-depth expertise in molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.
• Demonstrated experience in lab operations and personnel management.
• Proven track record in academic or industrial research settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of AMR-related components within diagnostic tests.
• Set up phenotype and genotype testing capabilities.
• Support development of tools for AMR prediction from genomic data.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Troubleshooting skills

Collaboration

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford tackles humanity's greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas like health, food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, clean energy, and AI & Robotics, EIT Oxford blends groundbreaking research with practical applications to deliver lasting results.

A cornerstone of EIT Oxford's mission is its upcoming 300,000-square-foot research facility at the Oxford Science Park, set to open in 2027. This cutting-edge campus will feature advanced labs, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and collaborative spaces to strengthen its partnership with the University of Oxford. It will also host the Ellison Scholars, driving innovation for societal benefit.

The Pathogen Mission highlights EIT's transformative approach, using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Oracle's cloud technology to create a global pathogen metagenomics system. This initiative aims to improve diagnostics, provide early epidemic warnings, and guide treatments by profiling antimicrobial resistance. The goal is to deliver certified diagnostic tools for widespread use in labs, hospitals, and public health.

EIT Oxford fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity's enduring challenges.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Scientist in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) to join the Applications team at EIT Pathogena. In this key role, you will lead the development of AMR-related components within diagnostic and monitoring tests for infectious diseases. While the primary focus will be on metagenomics, the work may also extend to other sequencing and non-sequencing approaches.

We're looking for a candidate with a strong background in AMR and genotype-phenotype correlation, gained through experience in industry, healthcare, academia, or a combination of these sectors. You'll work collaboratively with scientists across the Applications team and partner closely with other groups at EIT Pathogena to develop accurate, rapid AMR/susceptibility prediction from genomic and metagenomic data in a fast-paced, start-up-like environment.

The ideal candidate will be innovative, with excellent troubleshooting skills and a drive to tackle complex challenges in molecular biology.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify key pathogen, antimicrobial combination targets for diagnostic development
• Set up phenotype and genotype testing capability for bacterial and fungal isolates in the lab
• Work closely with the bioinformatics team to support the development of tools to identify, assemble and track AMR plasmids from metagenomic datasets
• Work closely with the AI and bioinformatics teams to support the development of antimicrobial resistance and susceptibility prediction tools. Assist with data curation for prediction models
• Support internal and external stakeholders to collate large data sets for AMR prediction models
• Design evaluation strategies to define resistance and susceptibility accuracy from clinical samples
  
  

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. molecular biology, microbiology, AMR)
• In-depth expertise in molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance
• 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
• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, with the ability to effectively communicate across scientific domains
  
  

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Experience performing phenotypic drug susceptibility testing and molecular antimicrobial resistance testing in public health or hospital settings
• Experience in clinical evaluation of infectious diseases diagnostic assays
• 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
  
  

Benefits

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Salary: Competitive salary on offer
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electrical 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.