The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford’s purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.
EIT Oxford will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.
Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT Oxford seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: health and medical science; food security and sustainable agriculture; climate change and clean energy; and government innovation in an era of artificial intelligence.
EIT Oxford is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT Oxford experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.
EIT Oxford is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.
We are seeking a motivatedScientistwith a strong molecular biology background to join our team. Initially, you will assist with sample preparation and processing for sequencing, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Over time, your role will expand to support various research projects in our state-of-the-art lab, contributing to scientific innovations.
Working closely with the Scientific Facility Operations Manager and lab technicians, you will help develop, optimise, and execute experimental workflows. This role offers an excellent opportunity to grow your skills in genomic technologies, including NGS.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the preparation and processing of biological samples, performing nucleic acid extractions using automated and manual techniques, ensuring high-quality yields and integrity.
- Prepare and quantify nucleic acid samples for library construction, including assessing quality with spectrophotometry or fluorometry.
- Assist in preparing libraries for next-generation sequencing platforms (e.g. Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Illumina), following established protocols.
- Operate, maintain and troubleshoot instruments including PCR machines, thermalcyclers, electrophoresis systems and NGS platforms.
- Regularly check and maintain equipment for functionality and calibration, ensuring smooth operations.
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of sample processing, reagent use and laboratory workflows.
- Monitor the quality and integrity of samples at every stage, ensuring compliance with established protocols and quality standards.
- Adhere to all laboratory protocols and procedures, including proper handling and disposal of biological materials and chemicals.
- Maintain laboratory organisation, inventory of supplies, reagents and consumables.
- Ensure proper storage and labelling of samples and reagents in compliance with lab standards and regulatory requirements.
- Assist with data management, analysis, and interpretation in collaboration with senior scientists.
- Stay up to date on the latest developments in molecular biology techniques and genomics.
Requirements
- Be qualified to a minimum of BSc, up to PhD or equivalent in Life Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics or a related field.
- Laboratory experience in a research environment, demonstratable experience in sequencing based molecular approaches, DNA extraction techniques and PCR.
- Experience handling biological samples and performing sample processing for genomic studies.
- Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for tracking samples and reagents.
- Basic knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and good laboratory practices (GLP).
- Ability to interpret experimental data and perform basic analysis using software tools.
Benefits
We offer the following salary and benefits:
- Salary: circa £35k (depending on experience) + travel allowance + bonus
- Enhanced holiday pay
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Private Medical Insurance
- Hospital Cash Plan
- Therapy Services
- Perk Box
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.
- Pleased submit a covering letter to outline your suitability for the role upon application.
