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.
We are seeking a Senior Engineer to support the product development and hardware implementation of EIT Oxford’s Pathogen Programme. Reporting to Senior Director, Product Science, the role involves managing a small team of scientists and working with external collaborators and service providers to design, build, and develop instruments and cartridges to for robust and cost-effective methods for the extraction of DNA and other relevant biological substances from microbial pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi and other eukaryotes) from clinical and other sources to inform the diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease in humans.
The postholder include: designing, developing, prototyping and evaluating instrumentation for portable automated sample preparation methodologies that generate input material for sequencing; providing expertise in microfluidics and instrument development from early phase through to clinical approval. Ideal candidates will have expertise in developing instruments and consumables to support scalable, cost-effective and automated laboratory workflows, extensive experience of developing prototypes and their transition to scale-up technology, and a track record of working with small, innovative teams to test, iterate and embed new capabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• A strong track record of engineering robust, effective and scalable microfluidic platforms for biotechnology applications.
• Proven ability to innovate in the context of miniaturisation and automation, with real-world experience of taking ideas from first concept to prototype to scale-up.
• Up-to-date working knowledge of best practices in the field of microfluidics, liquid handling, small scale automation, point-of-care devices and their manufacture.
• Experience managing a small team of scientists and/or engineers to deliver on complex interdisciplinary projects.
• Experience of working with partner organisations, including companies and consultants, to deliver to goals and milestones.
• Experience of working in a delivery-focused environment, with a proven track record in delivering projects and work packages on time and to budget.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience of developing technologies within regulatory frameworks for in vitro diagnostics within the UK, EU or USA.
• Experience of analytical separation techniques or bead-based handling of complex biological fluids.
• Direct experience of working with DNA/RNA extraction or library preparation.

• Manage a small group of scientists and/or engineers to deliver the project goals.
• Aid in team recruitment and training to build the internal expertise needed for the project.
• Design, build, prototype, and develop the instrumentation and disposable cartridges needed to extract DNA/RNA from pathogens across a variety of biosample types (e.g. blood, sputum, urine, swab) by working with the project team and through collaboration with external partners who specialise in automation and miniaturisation.
• Define milestones and feasibility tests to evaluate novel approaches, reducing project risks and ensuring that the most appropriate technologies and techniques are adopted into the product development.
• Manage relationships with external contract manufacturing organisations to ensure that work is progressing to the highest standard and that the project is kept to the agreed timeline and budget.
• Ensure that the products are safe, durable, scalable, cost-effective, and aligned with the relevant regulatory and clinical standards necessary for approval as diagnostics.
• Work in partnership with internal stakeholders to ensure that the product specifications meet the project requirements, documenting any changes and communicating them across the team.