Scientist In Advanced Genome Technologies – Plant Biology Institute

The Phage; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ellison Institute of Technology in Oxford, United Kingdom, is seeking talented scientists to join its Plant Biology Institute and advance genome technologies for next-generation plant transformation.

Successful candidates will design and perform experiments, develop innovative genetic manipulation methods, and contribute to publications and collaborations across AI, automation and generative biology.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline is required.
• Strong ability to design, execute and interpret experiments to test hypotheses.
• Willingness to adapt approaches when results do not support the initial hypothesis.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct and optimize experiments in advanced genome technologies and plant biotechnology.
• Develop and test methods for genetic manipulation, plant regeneration and nucleic acid delivery.
• Interpret data and ensure results are robust and reproducible.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present findings at seminars and meetings.

Skills

Experimental design

Data interpretation

Flexible methods

Reproducible science

Education

PhD in molecular biology or biochemistry

Job description

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is seeking talented scientists to join its Plant Biology Institute in Oxford, United Kingdom, and contribute to innovative research aimed at transforming plant science and sustainable agriculture.

About the Ellison Institute of Technology

The Ellison Institute of Technology is an interdisciplinary research organisation focused on translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions for some of humanity's most significant challenges.

Its research spans four key areas:

• Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology
• Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
• Climate Change and Managing CO₂
• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

EIT brings together scientists, engineers, technologists, and innovators to develop solutions that can progress from laboratory research to large-scale real-world impact.

About the Plant Biology Institute

Led by Professor Steve Kelly, the Plant Biology Institute at EIT Oxford aims to advance plant science and develop commercially sustainable solutions for global food production and planetary health.

Its research focuses on improving plant productivity, reducing dependence on agricultural inputs, developing sustainable plant-based production platforms, and accelerating the discovery and application of new plant technologies.

Researchers will have access to advanced laboratory and plant growth facilities and opportunities to collaborate with experts in artificial intelligence, automation, and generative biology.

About the Position

EIT is recruiting scientists at different experience levels to contribute to its Advanced Genome Technologies and next-generation plant transformation programmes.

The successful candidates will design and conduct experiments to develop improved methods for genetic manipulation, plant regeneration, and DNA/RNA delivery into plant cells.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and optimise experiments in advanced genome technologies and plant biotechnology.
• Develop and test innovative approaches to genetic manipulation, plant regeneration, and nucleic acid delivery.
• Interpret experimental data and ensure research findings are robust, reproducible, and scientifically rigorous.
• Deliver research objectives through defined, stage-gated milestones.
• Evaluate experimental outcomes and adapt research strategies when hypotheses do not produce promising results.
• Contribute to the development of new methods and technologies for plant engineering.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to incorporate advanced research techniques into experimental programmes.
• Collaborate with experts in artificial intelligence, automation, and generative biology.
• Present findings at internal seminars, external scientific meetings, and research discussions.
• Support and mentor other members of the research group where appropriate.
• Participate in laboratory discussions and share emerging developments in genome engineering and plant biotechnology.Contribute to scientific publications and the generation of intellectual property.
• Identify opportunities for patent protection and technology development.
• Help translate research discoveries into commercially relevant solutions with measurable real-world impact.
• Conduct research in accordance with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and best scientific practices.
• Maintain high standards of research integrity and experimental quality.

Qualifications and Skill Required

• A completed PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or another relevant discipline.
• Strong experimental design, execution, and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to test diverse and ambitious scientific hypotheses efficiently.
• Flexibility to reassess experimental approaches and change direction when results do not support the initial hypothesis.
• Commitment to producing reliable, reproducible scientific outcomes.

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be advantageous.

1. Protein Engineering and Molecular Interactions

2. Advanced Genome Editing and Engineering

3. Synthetic Biology and Plant Transformation