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 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 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 highly skilled and hands-on Senior Automation Specialist to support the development and scaling of advanced laboratory automation solutions within its Pathogen Program. This role will help establish automation capabilities for high-throughput workflows in genomics and phenotypic characterisation of pathogens, with flexibility to expand into other research domains.
EIT’s longer-term vision is to build an AI-driven autonomous laboratory, where experimental workflows are dynamically designed, executed, and optimised through integrated robotics, sensors, informatics, and machine learning. The ideal candidate will bring experience in this emerging frontier of scientific automation.
You will play a key role in building robust automated processes, programming and integrating robotic platforms, supporting users, and contributing to the foundation of a scalable and intelligent lab environment.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Robotics, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Proficiency with liquid handlers (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Beckman Coulter) and integration of lab instruments.
• Strong scripting and automation programming skills (e.g., VENUS, EVOware, Python) and familiarity with orchestration platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, test, and troubleshoot complex automated workflows.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in pathogen genomics or phenotyping, especially within BSL-2/BSL-3 laboratories.
• Familiarity with LIMS systems and data-integrated lab environments.
• Understanding of molecular workflows such as DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, library preparation, and AST/MIC assays.
• Experience mentoring or training scientists and technicians on automated platforms.
• Experience in AI-driven lab automation, including integration of sensors, machine learning models, or closed-loop experimentation systems.

Please refer the Job description for details