Partnerships Manager

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 is seeking an experienced Partnership Manager to lead and oversee key aspects of the EIT Pathogena Networks of Excellence—an essential, globally impactful component of the program. These Networks will play a vital scientific role, generating pathogen reference data from diverse countries and settings while serving as the foundation for EIT Pathogena’s efforts to build a global pathogen metagenomics system. In this role, you will act as a bridge between EIT’s scientific and technical expertise and a network of world-leading partners in pathogen genomics, driving forward critical implementation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the relationship with a set of world-leading clinical academic centres, to establish, maintain and grow successful partnerships.
• Lead technical level relationships with governmental organisations in a set of countries, in support of scaling up from the initial centres of excellence to more widespread implementation of pathogen genomics.
• Collaborate across EIT Pathogena and the wider Ellison Institute of Technology as a whole to ensure and optimise the success of current partnerships.
• Identify emerging opportunities to advance the mission of EIT Pathogena through new partnership modalities and approaches.
• Represent EIT Pathogena externally at events and meetings, to partner well and to position the organisation for success.
• As a key member of the EIT Pathogena Implementation team, contribute to the strategic and operational plan to design and implement products and programs globally.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

• A PhD or Master’s qualification in the life sciences.
• Specialist understanding of genomics, spanning technical, operational and strategic levels. Experience with pathogen genomics is desirable.
• Experience and a track record of delivering success through collaborative research and/or data generation partnerships, including at least some international experience.
• Experience in a multi-partner / network arrangement is desirable.
• Experience in managing a range of stakeholders, including dealing with political complexities.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-growth, fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly organized with an ability to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, inter-personal skills, and the ability to work with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Able and willing to travel internationally.

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Salary: £80,000 - £100,000 per annum + bonus + travel allowance
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box

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.