Operations Manager - Generative Biology Institute

Ellison Institute, LLC; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative institute is seeking an Operations Manager to support strategic scaling and efficient operations within its Generative Biology Institute. This role involves driving special projects, coordinating key functions, and collaborating with scientific teams to implement scalable processes. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, leveraging their operational expertise to foster innovation and support world-class research initiatives. Join a forward-thinking organization that values collaboration and creativity, and make a meaningful impact on global challenges through cutting-edge research.

Benefits

Enhanced Holiday Pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Perk Box

Electrical Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Degree in relevant field preferred, such as life sciences or business operations.
• Experience in laboratory environments and understanding of scientific workflows.

Responsibilities

• Support COO in scaling GBI and ensuring smooth operations for research.
• Coordinate operational functions, including budgeting, finance, and lab planning.

Skills

Project Management

Operational Strategy

Budget Management

Interpersonal Communication

Time Management

Education

Degree in Life Sciences

Degree in Business Operations

Project Management Certification

Tools

Project Management Software

Budgeting 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-driven government innovation, 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 Generative Biology Institute (GBI) at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford aims to overcome two major challenges in making biology engineerable: 1) the ability to precisely synthesize entire genomes, and 2) understanding which DNA sequences will create biological systems that perform desired functions. Solving these challenges will unlock the potential of biology for transformative solutions in health, sustainability, agriculture, and more. GBI will house 30 groups and over 300 researchers, supported by cutting-edge facilities and sustained funding to address global challenges and advance biology engineering.

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

GBI is looking for an Operation Manager to support the COO in scaling GBI strategically, ensuring efficient operations that enable top-tier research. It involves driving special projects, contributing to organisational strategy, and coordinating core functions like finance, legal, and lab planning. The role requires close collaboration with scientific and facilities teams, implementing scalable processes, managing cross-functional projects, and liaising with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery and alignment across initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• To support the COO in strategic scaling of GBI, ensuring smooth and responsive business operations that enable world-class research.
• To support strategic initiatives and special projectsled by the COO, contributing to planning, execution, and internal alignment across teams.
• To contribute to GBI’s organisational strategy, including understanding the scientific landscape, and identifying opportunities for growth and operational innovation.
• To support and coordinate key operational functions,including budgetingand financeprocesses,legal and commercial matters,recruiting, communications,procurement, and lab facilities planning.
• To work closely with scientific and facilities teams to understand and capture requirementsfor lab fit-outs, equipment procurement, and space planning.
• To design, document, and implement operational processes, working closely with central EIT teams (e.g. HR, finance,legal,facilities) to ensure scalability and alignment with best practices across GBI and EIT teams.
• To provide project management office (PMO) support, tracking timelines, milestones, and deliverables across operations and infrastructure projects.
• To liaise with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, managing timelines, documentation, and coordination across multiple workstreams.
• To act as a flexible and reliable point of contactfor operational problem-solving, stepping in wherever needed to keep projects moving.
• To manage and coordinate relationships with external collaborators, including academic institutions, research networks, and strategic partners, ensuring smooth communication and delivery on joint initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience:

• A degree in a relevant field, such as life sciences, business operations, or project management, ora science / research backgroundis preferred.
• Experience working in or supporting laboratory environments, with a good understanding of scientific workflows, research culture, and technical equipment needs is preferred.
• Strong operational experience, ideally in a high-growth, fast-paced environment such as a start-up / scale-up, or in aresearch institute.
• Comfortable supporting strategic planning, with an interest in scientific trends, innovation, and organisational growth.
• Experience creating project management materials for leadership teams, including managing budgets.
• Excellent project coordination and time management skills, with experience overseeing complex timelines, budgets and competing priorities.
• Proactive and self-directed, with a willingness to take ownership of problems and implement practical solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work across scientific, technical, and administrative teams.

Key Attributes:

• Has the ability to identify design new business processes and systems in collaboration with stakeholders
• Someone who has excellent time management and prioritisation skills
• Excellent attention to detail and able to manage multiple tasks
• High level of adaptability and flexibility.

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.

Flexibility to be discussed.

During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.