Research Assistant/Post Doc - 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 focused 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 highly motivated and skilled Research Assistant/Post Doc's to join its pioneering Plant Biology Institute, contributing to transformative research in the areas of biological nitrogen fixation, novel decarbonised plant-based production platforms for food and medicines, or advanced technologies for plant transformation and genome editing. This role offers a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact research at the forefront of plant science while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to drive innovation from lab to global impact. The successful candidate will design and execute complex experiments, contribute to publications and IP generation, and play an active role in translating research into real-world and commercial solutions aligned with EIT’s mission of humane technological advancement. This is an exciting opportunity to develop as a scientific leader in a dynamic, well-supported, and purpose-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute research experiments in one of the following topic areas: Biological nitrogen fixation in plants; Novel decarbonised plant-based production platforms for food and medicines; Advanced technologies for plant transformation and genome editing.
• To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
• To maintain accurate records, analyse data and use appropriate statistical tools to contribute to progress reports, scientific publications, and intellectual property protection.

 Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to incorporate cutting edge research techniques into experiments.
• Present scientific work at seminars within the lab and at external meetings, including contributing to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field.
• To assist in mentoring graduate students and other members of the research group where appropriate.
• Collaborate with experts at the forefront of research on AI, automation, and generative biology across the EIT ecosystem.   

 Research Designed for Impact

• Draft scientific papers and contribute to preparation of publications.
• To assist in the translation of scientific results into commercial opportunities consistent with the EIT humane endeavours.
• Recognising the acting on opportunities for the creation of IP and cooperating in patent protection and in impact delivery.

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Completed PhD in a relevant discipline e.g. Plant Biology, Molecular Biotechnology or Biotechnology.
• Strong research background in relevant research areas for the post.
• To understand (or have a desire to understand) the path to impact for the research area in question and where appropriate to consider user feedback and market research in designing research experiments.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research to the highest standard, and to publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to build both internal and external relationships. Working collaboratively with others outside of their discipline.
• Clear and demonstrable problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written communication and report writing skills.

What we offer:

• Newly constructed, state-of-the-art laboratories and growth facilities.
• A collaborative research environment with highly skilled team working at the cutting edge of plant science to create commercially sustainable solutions that tackle humanity’s biggest challenges, including enabling sustainable agriculture and improving the climate and ecosystem outcomes of food production.
• Opportunities for professional development including publication, conferences, spin-out generation, and leadership development.

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.