Senior Scientist (Applications)

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Oxford seeks a highly skilled Senior Scientist to join their Applications team. This role focuses on developing innovative diagnostic tests for infectious diseases using the latest sequencing technologies. Candidates should have a PhD in relevant scientific disciplines, excellent problem-solving abilities, and experience in a laboratory setting. The position offers a supportive work environment with competitive benefits.

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 genomics and/or metagenomics.
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory operations and personnel management.
• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Research, design and prototype diagnostic assays for infectious diseases.
• Work with stakeholders to innovate and simplify diagnostic approaches.
• Engage with experts to automate diagnostic assays.

Skills

Sequencing technologies

Molecular biology

Problem-solving

Metagenomics

Laboratory operations

Education

PhD in relevant scientific discipline

Job description

Led by a world-class faculty of scientists, technologists, policy makers, economists and entrepreneurs, the Ellison Institute of Technology aims to develop and deploy commercially sustainable solutions to solve some of humanity’s most enduring challenges. Our work is guided by four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2 and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.

Set for completion in 2027, the EIT Campus in Littlemore will include more than 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, educational and gathering spaces. Fuelled by growing ambition and the strength of Oxford’s science ecosystem, EIT is now expanding its footprint to a 2 million sq ft Campus across the western part of The Oxford Science Park. Designed by Foster + Partners led by Lord Norman Foster, this will become a transformative workplace for up to 7,000 people, with autonomous laboratories, purpose-built laboratories including a plant sciences building and dynamic spaces to spark interdisciplinary collaboration.

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 innovative Senior Scientist to join our Applications team, focused on developing cutting‑edge diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. The role emphasises metagenomics but also includes a range of sequencing and non‑sequencing‑based approaches. Ideal candidates will have strong experience with sequencing technologies, and a proven track record of developing end‑to‑end clinical diagnostic applications in either academic or industrial environments.

In this position you will work with a small agile team to deliver prototype diagnostic assays in a fast‑paced, start‑up‑like environment. Strong problem‑solving, troubleshooting, and molecular biology skills are essential.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• To research, design and prototype diagnostic assays for important infectious disease syndromes (e.g. respiratory tract infections) using the latest sequencing technologies (long and short read)
• To work with internal and external stakeholders to identify innovative approaches to simplify and reduce time and cost of metagenomic diagnostic approaches, from sample collection to result
• Work closely with experts to automate diagnostic assays, leading to cost‑effective, easy to use tests
• Work closely with AMR, Informatic and Machine Learning colleagues ensure the tests provide accurate pathogen ID, AMR and relatedness results
• Engage with industry and academic experts to identify and assess promising new technologies relevant to the aims and objectives of the team

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. molecular biology, genomics, microbiology, virology or a related field)
• In‑depth expertise in genomics and/or metagenomics
• 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
• Hands‑on experience in the design, development, and prototyping of molecular assays, particularly in areas such as infectious diseases, oncology, human genetics, plant or food pathogens, or veterinary diagnostics
• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, with the ability to effectively communicate across scientific domains

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Background in microbiology, virology and/or infectious diseases
• 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 benefits:

• 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.