At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we are on a mission to translate scientific discovery into real‐world impact. We bring together visionary scientists, technologists, engineers, researchers, educators, and innovators to tackle humanity's greatest challenges across four transformative areas:
* Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
* Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
* Climate Change & Managing CO₂
* Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
The Plant Biology Institute, headed by Professor Steve Kelly, is a key part of EIT Oxford. It aims to develop impactful and commercially sustainable solutions for improving global food production and planetary health through pioneering plant science research. The institute will unite world‑class researchers focused on expanding the frontiers of plant science, with the goal of accelerating the timeline from discovery to global impact.
Areas of exploration include:
* Improved plant productivity, both indoors and outdoors
* Reduced reliance on inputs including water, fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides
* Novel decarbonised plant‑based production platforms for food and medicines
* Advanced technologies that speed up discovery and deployment in plants
Researchers will have access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and plant growth facilities, and will collaborate with experts in AI, automation, and generative biology across the EIT ecosystem. They will also work with global leaders in market development, commercialisation, and impact creation. The institute has long‑term substantial funding to support its vision.
Your Role
We are seeking a visionary and accomplished Group Leader/Senior Group Leader in Advanced Genome Technologies to lead a transformative research programme at the forefront of plant biotechnology. This senior leadership role is integral to shaping a newly established and rapidly scaling Plant Biology Institute that aspires to become a global leader in delivering scientific breakthroughs with real‑world impact.
Your Responsibilities
Leadership
* Contribute to the development and expansion of the institute, aiming to become a global leader in plant science research over the next five years.
* Establish, lead, and continuously evolve a flagship research programme in advanced genome technologies, focusing on novel plant transformation, plant regeneration, and DNA/RNA delivery systems.
* Work with internal teams to define the path to impact, design and execute research programmes, and ensure all research programmes are value and purpose‑driven.
* Recruit and lead a high‑performing interdisciplinary team of research scientists, managing performance and maintaining a positive, engaged culture aligned with EIT Oxford values.
Research designed for impact
* Plan and communicate the scientific direction of the advanced genome technology programme, aiming to advance plant transformation technologies.
* Direct the activities of the research group, supervising key projects and overseeing delegated projects to shape overall aims and success.
* Drive rigorous experimental design, execution, and data interpretation to ensure robust and reproducible outcomes.
* Manage the research programme through stage‑gated milestones, making active, no‑go decisions based on validated data, and designing programmes to enable delivery requirements.
* Manage project resources, including personnel, equipment, and budgets, in coordination with senior leadership.
* Ensure research is conducted ethically and in compliance with EIT policy, regulatory guidance, and best scientific practice.
* Generate and maintain collaborations across EIT Oxford and the wider scientific and commercial ecosystem, maintaining key stakeholder relationships.
* Work with the translation team to translate research results into commercial opportunities consistent with EIT's humane endeavours, and recognise and protect intellectual property.
Requirements
* Experienced leader of research groups within academia or industry.
* Recognised thought leader with demonstrated scientific output for teams of PhDs/Post‑doctoral researchers.
* Proven track record of delivering long‑term strategic research programmes and managing large, interdisciplinary teams.
* Commercial awareness and experience partnering with engineering, technical partners, and licencees or channel partners.
* Project management, communication, and resource allocation experience.
* Ability to build both internal and external relationships; works collaboratively across disciplines.
Benefits
* Competitive salary, travel allowance, and bonus.
* Enhanced holiday and option to buy additional days.
* Pension, life assurance, income protection.
* Private medical insurance, hospital cash plan, therapy services.
* Perk box, electric car scheme, childcare benefit.
What we offer
* Newly constructed, state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and growth facilities with core scientific and operational support, and substantial core funding.
* A collaborative research environment with highly skilled teams working at the cutting edge of plant science to create commercially sustainable solutions for sustainable agriculture and improved climate and ecosystem outcomes of food production.
* Opportunities for professional development including publication, conferences, IP portfolio creation, spin‑out generation, and leadership development.
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