Electrical Instrumentation Engineer - Pathogen

Led by a world-class faculty of scientists, technologists, policy makers, economists and entrepreneurs, the Ellison Institute of Technology aims to develop and deploy commercially sustainable solutions to solve some of humanity’s most enduring challenges. Our work is guided by four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2 and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.

Set for completion in 2027, the EIT Campus in Littlemore will include more than 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, educational and gathering spaces. Fuelled by growing ambition and the strength of Oxford’s science ecosystem, EIT is now expanding its footprint to a 2 million sq ft Campus across the western part of The Oxford Science Park. Designed by Foster + Partners led by Lord Norman Foster, this will become a transformative workplace for up to 7,000 people, with autonomous laboratories, purpose-built laboratories including a plant sciences building and dynamic spaces to spark interdisciplinary collaboration.

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.

The EIT Pathogen Programme – Applied Sequencing team is seeking an Electrical Instrumentation Engineer to help advance next-generation diagnostic technology.

In this role, you will work closely with experts in microfluidics, microbiology, and data engineering to specify, source, and assemble off-the-shelf components into functional instrumentation for a point-of-care device capable of metagenomic sequencing through a microfluidic cartridge interface.

As the first Electrical Instrumentation Engineer in the team, you will act as a subject matter expert and remain flexible to the evolving needs of the R&D programme. Your work will focus on developing control systems for pumps, valves, actuators, and sensors used to manipulate fluids at the microscale, including movement, mixing, thermal control, and data capture.

This is an opportunity to contribute to innovative healthcare technology with real-world impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and engineer electrical systems for laboratory instrumentation integration and automation, from LV (240 V) mains to ELV (<50 V) control and signal systems.
• Develop power distribution and control architectures for new experimental setups, integrating instruments, sensors, and automation hardware.
• Specify and select components such as power supplies, connectors, sensors, control hardware, and safety interlocks to meet system and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with the Applied Sequencing Applications team to turn biological and experimental needs into practical, high-performance engineering solutions.
• Develop detailed system documentation, including ECAD-based schematics, wiring diagrams, and control layouts, to support design reviews and build processes.
• Drive R&D innovation by developing and testing new methods to automate wet-bench workflows and improve experimental reproducibility.
• Communicate design progress and technical findings through structured updates and presentations to project and leadership teams.
• Ensure all systems meet relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and internal quality requirements.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Degree or equivalent experience in Electrical or Electronic Engineering.
• Strong practical understanding of LV and ELV electrical system design, including protection, earthing, and control integration.
• Proven experience designing and implementing electrical systems for instrumentation, automation, or laboratory environments.
• Working knowledge of BS 7671 and related safety and compliance standards.
• Familiarity with sensors, actuators, control interfaces, and integration of mixed-signal or low-voltage systems.
• Ability to work effectively across disciplines and communicate technical reasoning clearly.
• Confident using ECAD tools to design, document, and visualise assemblies and control systems.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Practical skills in wiring, assembly, or commissioning prototype systems.
• Experience managing third-party builds, writing specifications, and working with contractors or suppliers.
• Background in laboratory or medical device automation, process control, or regulated systems.
• Basic understanding of PLC or embedded control systems (integration or programming).
• Experience performing risk assessments and supporting compliance testing.
• Knowledge of fluidic and thermal subsystems, including pumps, valves, motors, and sensors.
• Comfortable working as the sole electrical engineer within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with collaboration tools such as Jira or Confluence.

 Key Attributes:

• Team-oriented and collaborative, eager to contribute within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Excellent communicator, able to explain complex technical ideas clearly.
• Creative problem-solver who thrives in an experimental and fast-moving R&D setting.
• Detail-focused and organised, ensuring high standards across all project deliverables.
• Strong time management, balancing multiple priorities effectively.

We offer the following benefits:

• 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.