Head of Lab Management - 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 a Head of Lab Management to lead the establishment and long-term operations of laboratory management at the Plant Biology Institute (PBI), part of the Ellison Institute of Technology. This pivotal leadership role will be responsible for building and overseeing a team of lab managers and technicians, guiding them in creating and maintaining a world-class research environment.

The successful candidate will play a key role in launching the Institute’s inaugural lab following construction, transforming it into a fully operational research facility. You will recruit, mentor, and manage staff, while designing and implementing systems that ensure efficient, safe, and innovative laboratory operations - scaling this approach across PBI’s labs as construction and fit-out progresses.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Development

• Build, lead, and develop a team of lab managers and technicians to support researchers across the Institute.
• Establish clear structures for training, mentoring, and career development.

 Operational Launch

• Drive the transition of newly constructed lab spaces into fully functioning research facilities.
• Oversee equipment installation, validation, and integration into workflows.
• Develop scalable processes to support growth across multiple lab sites.

 Systems & Processes

• Design and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practice workflows for day-to-day laboratory operations.
• Ensure seamless coordination between research teams and lab support functions.

 Health, Safety & Compliance

• Lead development of robust health, safety, and environmental practices.
• Ensure compliance with national and international regulations, certifications, and ethical standards.
• Establish proactive risk management and incident response systems.

 Strategic Planning

• Partner with Institute leadership to shape long-term lab infrastructure and resourcing strategies. Anticipating and planning for the evolving needs of a rapidly expanding research institute.
• Manage budgets and work with researchers to select and procure core equipment that aligns with research needs.

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

Education

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s or PhD preferred in Plant Science, Biological Engineering, Architecture/Facilities Planning, or a related and relevant scientific/technical discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in research infrastructure, laboratory planning, or scientific facilities management.
• Significant experience in laboratory management, operations, or facilities leadership within an academic or research setting.
• Demonstrated ability to establish new laboratories or research facilities from the ground up.
• Proven track record of building and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.

Technical Knowledge

• Familiarity with laboratory workflows related to plant science, especially genetic transformation, cell culture, plant growth (plant care) and plant phenotypic analysis (genetic, biochemical and physiological).
• Understanding of growth environment requirements (lighting, temperature, humidity control) for plant growth cabinets, growth chambers, and greenhouses.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory health and safety, compliance, and risk management.
• Knowledge of biosafety and GMO-related infrastructure needs.

Key attributes

• Exceptional communication, organisational and leadership skills.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with attention to accuracy and detail.

We offer the following 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.