Senior Scientist Applications - Pathogena

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

Job summary

The Ellison Institute of Technology in Oxford is seeking a Senior Scientist to join its Applications team. The successful candidate will focus on developing innovative diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, particularly using metagenomics, within a collaborative research environment. Join a forward-thinking team at a cutting-edge facility to make a significant impact in health and diagnostics.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Perk Box

Electrical Car Scheme

Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Experience in laboratory operations and personnel management.
• Hands-on experience in designing and prototyping molecular assays.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and prototype diagnostic assays for infectious diseases.
• Work with stakeholders to simplify metagenOMIC diagnostic approaches.
• Lead a small team to deliver diagnostic solutions.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genomics

Metagenomics

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

PhD in molecular biology or related field

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 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 leadership position, you will manage 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.

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
• To effectively transfer working prototype designs to verification and validation team and contribute to verification and validation experimental design
• Build and lead a small team of scientists to deliver on team objectives

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. molecular biology, genomics, microbiology, 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 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

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.