Director of Science Applications
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Full Time
Experienced
About EIT:
The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford tackles humanity’s greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas like health, food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, clean energy, and AI-driven government innovation, EIT Oxford blends groundbreaking research with practical applications to deliver lasting results.
A cornerstone of EIT Oxford’s 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.
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.
EIT Oxford is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Science Applications to lead the scientific development and implementation of our Pathogen Mission, focusing on cutting-edge whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technology for pathogen diagnostics. Reporting to the Principal Scientist, this leadership role is essential to advancing EIT Oxford’s mission to develop innovative diagnostic tools for infectious diseases, working closely with internal teams and external partners to drive global research collaborations and clinical validation.
Key Responsibilities:
Terms of Appointment:
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!
We offer the following salary and benefits:
The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford tackles humanity’s greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas like health, food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, clean energy, and AI-driven government innovation, EIT Oxford blends groundbreaking research with practical applications to deliver lasting results.
A cornerstone of EIT Oxford’s 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.
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.
EIT Oxford is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Science Applications to lead the scientific development and implementation of our Pathogen Mission, focusing on cutting-edge whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technology for pathogen diagnostics. Reporting to the Principal Scientist, this leadership role is essential to advancing EIT Oxford’s mission to develop innovative diagnostic tools for infectious diseases, working closely with internal teams and external partners to drive global research collaborations and clinical validation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the Medical and Product teams to establish the scientific and commercial feasibility of new pathogen diagnostic products and solutions.
- Identify, recruit, and work with academic, clinical, and commercial partners to develop additional data sources and validate new products and solutions.
- Oversee the testing and feasibility of new technologies for sample collection, processing, genome sequencing, and analysis, while developing wet-lab capabilities at EIT.
- Work with the Regulatory Team to establish and implement methodologies for regulatory approval (UK, EU, USA) for diagnostics and population-health applications.
- Lead the development of a portfolio of peer-reviewed publications to demonstrate the impact and value of new diagnostic solutions.
- Present at international scientific conferences, showcasing leadership and contributing to global discourse on pathogen diagnostics.
- Recruit, lead, and mentor a team of scientists with both wet-lab and computational expertise.
- Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to shape and deliver the strategic goals of the Pathogen Mission.
- Proven track record in leading the development of innovative whole-genome sequencing (WGS) applications in microbiology.
- Experience in establishing and managing wet-lab facilities to develop, test, and apply genome-based sequencing technologies in microbiology applications.
- Expertise in designing and executing studies to validate genome-based diagnostic tools, with a focus on statistical rigor and impact assessment.
- Extensive experience in partnership development, working with academic, clinical, and commercial partners to build data resources and validate new technologies.
- Leadership experience in recruiting and managing a team of scientists with mixed wet-lab and computational skills.
- Proven ability to deliver research programs on time and within budget, in both academic and commercial environments.
- Experience in developing protocols or methods that meet regulatory standards (UK, EU, USA).
- Direct experience working with Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology.
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.
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!
We offer the following salary and benefits:
- Salary: £140k-£160k (depending on experience) + bonus + travel allowance
- Enhanced holiday pay
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Private Medical Insurance
- Hospital Cash Plan
- Therapy Services
- Perk Box
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