The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) 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 robotics in an era of artificial intelligence. EIT blends groundbreaking research with practical applications to deliver lasting results.
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.
The Generative Biology Institute (GBI) at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) aims to overcome two major challenges in making biology engineerable: 1) the ability to precisely synthesize entire genomes, and 2) understanding which DNA sequences will create biological systems that perform desired functions. Solving these challenges will unlock the potential of biology for transformative solutions in health, sustainability, agriculture, and more. GBI will house 30 groups and over 300 researchers, supported by cutting-edge facilities and sustained funding to address global challenges and advance biology engineering.
EIT fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity’s enduring challenges.

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a contractor who is highly organised and scientifically experienced to support the relocation of researchers from their lab in Cambridge to EIT’s Generative Biology Institute (GBI) in Oxford. The role will be responsible for cataloguing, duplicating and validating critical biological constructs and samples. This role is ideal for a PhD-qualified scientist with a background in molecular biology and/or chemistry, who is comfortable working independently and has strong attention to detail. The role will involve both experimental and informatics work to ensure the accurate transfer and regeneration of valuable materials. We would expect this role to be based at the researchers’ current lab in Cambridge, with some work at EIT / GBI in Oxford, particularly towards the end of the 6 months.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• PhD in Biology, Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field, with hands-on experience in molecular cloning and DNA sequencing workflows.
• Strong familiarity with DNA construct design, primer design, and interpretation of sequencing data.
• Experience handling biological samples, managing cold storage inventories, and tracking reagents or plasmids.
• Familiarity with data input on a laboratory LIMs or ELN (preferably a cloud-based system).
• Experience impacting laboratory infrastructure through organisation.
• High attention to detail and organisational skills, with experience documenting lab work and maintaining sample databases.
• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot problems, and manage time effectively in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to coordinate across multiple team members during a relocation process.

• Oversee and manage the safe and coordinated transfer of all validated samples and inventory from the Cambridge laboratory to EIT / GBI in Oxford, ensuring accurate duplication of all samples and labelling, and ensuring integrity is maintained throughout.
• Review scientific literature and lab records to identify key DNA constructs and reagents required for ongoing and future work.
• Locate, retrieve, and catalogue constructs and samples stored in -80°C freezers and other storage units, ensuring accurate inventory and metadata capture.
• Validate constructs via sequencing, confirming integrity and identity against publications.
• Amplify and prepare working stocks of validated constructs, ensuring availability for immediate and future use.
• Duplicate and document all critical materials, maintaining mirrored stocks and detailed records to ensure traceability.
• Work closely with lab staff and research leads to prioritise key constructs and manage handover of validated materials.
• Maintain clear, well-structured digital inventories, using spreadsheets or sample management systems where applicable.
• Support the packing and transfer process, ensuring that all validated materials are safely and securely transported to GBI.