EIT, the Ellison Institute of Technology, is dedicated to translating scientific discovery into real‑world impact in Health & Medicine, Food Security, Climate Change, and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.
Your Role
Lead for AI & Automation for Plant Transformation – a senior position within the Transformation Facility at the Plant Biology Institute. The role involves collaborating with EIT’s AI & Robotics (AIR) team and external partners to design, develop, and deploy automated robotic systems, computer vision, and data infrastructure that accelerate plant transformation workflows.
Your Responsibilities
* Provide plant science expertise to design, develop, and implement robotic systems for transformation and tissue culture workflows.
* Co‑develop computer vision systems and data strategies for predictive modelling of transformation efficiency.
* Partner with AIR and data engineering teams to establish robust pipelines for high‑throughput phenotyping and automation data.
* Lead scientific and project management efforts within a matrixed, cross‑functional team.
* Develop project plans, timelines, and reporting frameworks to ensure delivery of technical milestones.
* Ensure oversight and alignment with institutional priorities across the Transformations team and partners.
* Engage stakeholders to maintain transparent communication, progress reporting, and expectation management.
* Deploy robotic systems for transformation and tissue culture workflows.
* Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to incorporate cutting‑edge technologies into commercial products.
* Present scientific work at internal seminars and external conferences.
* Mentor graduate students and research group members where appropriate.
* Assist in translating scientific results into publications and commercial opportunities, supporting IP development and patent protection.
* Drive the movement of innovations beyond proof‑of‑concept toward validated, scalable products.
Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience
* PhD in Plant Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, or Plant Biotechnology.
* Background in crop transformation technologies in an industrial or academic setting.
* Expertise in plant regeneration, morphogenesis, and transformation systems for elite or recalcitrant crops.
* Experience manipulating developmental regulators to enhance regeneration and transformation efficiency.
* Track record of innovation in transformation or regeneration biology.
* Ability to translate mechanistic biology into practical applications.
* Proficiency with planning and management tools (spreadsheets, Microsoft Planner, LIMS, ELN, Confluence).
* Demonstrated project leadership and cross‑functional coordination.
* Understanding of the research‑to‑impact pathway and user‑market orientation of experiments.
* Strong relationship‑building skills across multidisciplinary teams.
* Clear problem‑solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
* Excellent written communication and report‑writing proficiency.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Experience in plant biology or controlled‑environment automation systems.
* Experience with computer vision in biological imaging.
* Experience integrating hardware, software, and biological workflows.
* Experience leading matrixed or cross‑institutional project teams.
* Experience advancing research platforms toward product development.
Benefits
* Competitive salary + travel allowance + bonus.
* Enhanced holiday with options to purchase additional days.
* Pension.
* Life assurance and income protection.
* Private medical insurance and hospital cash plan.
* Therapy services and Perk Box.
* Electric car scheme.
* Childcare benefits.
What we offer
* State‑of‑the‑art laboratories and growth facilities.
* A collaborative research environment focused on commercial sustainability to address global challenges.
* Opportunities for professional development through publications, conferences, spin‑out generation, and leadership training.
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