Strategy and Operations Manager - Generative Biology Institute

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

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking institute dedicated to tackling global challenges through innovative research. As the Strategy and Operation Manager, you will play a pivotal role in scaling operations, driving strategic initiatives, and collaborating with diverse teams. Your expertise in project management and operational strategy will be crucial in ensuring that the Generative Biology Institute achieves its ambitious goals. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while working in a dynamic, inclusive environment that values creativity and collaboration. If you are passionate about making a difference and thrive in a fast-paced setting, this role is for you.

Benefits

Enhanced Holiday Pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Perk Box

Electric Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Degree in relevant field preferred, with strong operational experience.
• Proactive, self-directed, and able to manage complex timelines.

Responsibilities

• Support COO in scaling GBI and ensuring smooth operations.
• Coordinate budgeting, finance processes, and communications.

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 a Strategy and 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.

Requirements


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 projects led 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 business operations, including budgeting and finance processes, legal and commercial matters, recruiting, and communications
• To work closely with scientific and facilities teams to understand and capture requirements for lab fit-outs, equipment procurement, and space planning
• To design, document, and implement business operations 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 and external stakeholders, managing timelines, documentation, and coordination across multiple workstreams
• To act as a flexible and reliable point of contact for 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, or a science / research background is preferred.
• Strong operational experience, ideally in a high-growth, fast-paced environment such as a start-up / scale-up, or in a research 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
• Experience working in or supporting laboratory environments, with a good understanding of scientific workflows, research culture, and technical equipment needs is desirable
  
  
  

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
  
  
  

Benefits


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.