Lead Scientist, Automated Pathogen Diagnostics

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel allowance

Pension - Employer contribution 7.5%

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Job summary

Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) in Oxford seeks an experienced Senior Scientist, Automated Diagnostic Systems, to lead development of a novel device-based metagenomic pathogen detection platform within the Pathogen Programme. You will translate molecular workflows into automated systems, guiding from proof-of-concept to prototype in a cross-disciplinary team.

You will design robust experiments for nucleic acid extraction, purification, and library preparation within a fluidic device,

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or related discipline.
• Experience developing molecular biology workflows in industrial or translational R&D environments.
• Proven track record of automating or semi-automating molecular biology workflows.
• Experience integrating biological workflows into analytical, diagnostic, or cartridge-based platforms.
• Strong understanding of nucleic acid extraction, purification, and analysis across diverse sample types.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute robust experiments to generate high-quality data and inform technical decisions.
• Translate molecular biology workflows into automated processes for integration within a diagnostic platform.
• Apply DoE and quantitative methods to optimise workflow performance.
• Develop performance metrics and analytical frameworks to support iterative platform development.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks, variability, and failure modes across integrated workflows.
• Generate insights that guide system design, including fluidics, reagents, automation, and overall architecture.
• Improve assay robustness, reproducibility, and scalability.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, chemists, and engineers to integrate biological workflows into automated systems.
• Provide technical leadership by defining experimental strategies, prioritising risks, and supporting prototype development.

Skills

PhD in Biotechnology

Automating molecular workflows

Nucleic acid extraction

Design of Experiments (DoE)

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Biotechnology

Tools

Automation platforms

Job description

Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) in Oxford seeks an experienced Senior Scientist, Automated Diagnostic Systems, to lead development of a novel device-based metagenomic pathogen detection platform within the Pathogen Programme. You will translate molecular workflows into automated systems, guiding from proof-of-concept to prototype in a cross-disciplinary team.

You will design robust experiments for nucleic acid extraction, purification, and library preparation within a fluidic device,