Head of Research Infrastructure - Plant Biology Institute

About EIT:

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) 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. Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology; Food security and Sustainable agriculture; Clean Energy Generation and Storage; and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

A cornerstone of EIT 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.

EIT fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity’s enduring challenges.

About The Plant Biology Institute

The Plant Biology Institute, headed by Professor Steve Kelly, is a key part of the Ellison Institute of Technology. The institute aims to develop impactful and commercially sustainable solutions for improving global food production and planetary health through pioneering plant science research.

The Plant Biology Institute will unite world-class researchers who are focused on expanding the frontiers of plant science. Our research is focussed on enhancing our ability to feed the planet while simultaneously improving the climate and ecosystem outcomes of food production. By embedding cutting-edge plant science research within an organisation that is focused on solving global challenges at scale, we aim to accelerate the timeline from discovery to global impact.

Areas of exploration include:

• Improved plant productivity, both indoors and outside.
• 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 laboratory and plant growth facilities and have opportunities to collaborate with experts at the forefront of research on AI, automation, and generative biology across the EIT ecosystem. They will also work with global leaders in market development, commercialisation, and impact creation. The Plant Biology Institute has long-term substantial funding to support the unique scale and ambition of its vision.

EIT is seeking an accomplished leader to serve as Head of Research Infrastructure for the Plant Biology Institute. This pivotal role will shape a newly established and rapidly scaling Plant Biology Institute that aspires to become a global leader in delivering scientific breakthroughs with real-world impact. The successful candidate will oversee the design and implementation of the physical and technical infrastructure needed to establish a state-of-the-art plant science research facility. This role requires close collaboration with scientists, architects, engineers, designers, operations teams, and other institutional stakeholders to scope, design, equip, and operate a major new research institute.

Key Responsibilities:

Infrastructure Planning & Design

• Lead the strategic design of the laboratory, greenhouse and plant growth spaces tailored to the specific needs of the research in the Institute (wet labs, ancillary/support labs, plant growth chambers and greenhouses, potting and soil-handling areas, BSL-2 spaces, etc.).
• Ensure the facility is designed to satisfy the infrastructure and utility requirements of the research programs (e.g., workflow, HVAC, water purification, power, fume hoods, gas supplies, biosecurity, compliance and containment features).
• Ensure infrastructure supports unique plant science requirements, such as phenotyping platforms, advanced imaging suites, and automated cultivation systems.
• Ensure flexibility and scalability in the facility design to accommodate changing research landscapes and technology innovations.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Plant Biology Institute and architects, contractors, and other institutional project managers on all matters concerning the Plant Biology Institute research infrastructure.
• Facilitate communication between research staff, facilities teams, and external consultants connected to building design and operation.
• Prepare infrastructure reports, budget updates, and risk assessments for senior leadership and funding stakeholders.

Laboratory Setup & Commissioning, Equipment Scoping and Procurement

• Lead commissioning of new lab spaces: Ensure infrastructure (gas lines, exhaust, benching, containment systems) meets research specifications and is designed for future adaptability and expansion.
• Ensure biosafety, GMO compliance, and environmental controls: Integrate biosafety, genetically modified organism (GMO) compliance, and environmental controls into the design and operational readiness plans.
• Collaborate with biosafety officers and EH&S teams: Work closely with Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) teams and biosafety officers to embed safety features from design through to occupancy.
• Work with researchers and procurement team to select and procure core equipment: Partner with researchers and procurement teams to identify and acquire essential equipment (e.g., PCR machines, centrifuges, fume hoods) that align with research needs.

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

Education

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s or PhD preferred in Plant Science, Biological Engineering, Architecture/Facilities Planning, or a related and relevant scientific/technical discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in research infrastructure, laboratory planning, or scientific facilities management.
• Experience managing lab or greenhouse construction or renovation projects in academic or industrial research environments.

Technical Knowledge

• Familiarity with laboratory workflows related to plant science, especially genetic transformation, cell culture, plant growth (plant care) and plant phenotypic analysis (genetic, biochemical and physiological)
• Understanding of growth environment requirements (lighting, temperature, humidity control) for plant growth cabinets, growth chambers, and greenhouses.
• Knowledge of biosafety and GMO-related infrastructure needs.

Key attributes:

• Exceptional communication, organisational and leadership skills.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with attention to accuracy and detail.

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric 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.