Senior Scientist (Chemistry and Chemical Biology) - Generative Biology Institute

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) tackles humanity’s greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas 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.

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.

We are seeking an experienced and self-driven Senior Scientist to lead the Chemistry and Chemical Biology function within GBI. As the primary chemistry expert, you will play a critical role in designing and executing small molecule, probe, and compound synthesis to support a wide range of experimental protocols in synthetic biology, genomics, and molecular engineering. You will work independently to establish and maintain robust workflows, while collaborating closely with research groups to design and execute strategies tailored to novel and emerging scientific questions.

Key Responsibilities:

• To design and synthesis of small molecule amino acid analogues and closely related compounds, synthesis of bio-orthogonal reagents as chemical probes and synthesis of other biologically active compounds and biomolecules in support of internal research programmes.
• To establish and manage core chemistry workflows and infrastructure, including reagent libraries, purification methods, and compound characterisation.
• To develop and optimise synthetic routes, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and scale up reactions where needed.
• To support development of analytical workflows and novel biological assays
• To manage chemistry lab related research equipment such as LCMS, HPLC, flash chromatography systems
• To manage all aspects of chemical safety and compliance within the chemistry space, including documentation, risk assessments, and chemical inventory.
• To work closely with research groups to integrate chemical approaches into broader workflows.
• To independently prioritise and execute multiple projects, providing scientific leadership and technical insight.
• To evaluate and adopt new technologies, tools, and methodologies that expand the capabilities of the chemistry function.
• To identify and realise areas where chemistry and chemical biology could impact on GBI’s mission.
• To lead at the interface of chemistry and biology and to proactively develop chemical approaches in biological systems as relevant to GBI’s mission.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

A PhD (or equivalent experience) in organic chemistry, chemical biology, or a related discipline.

Extensive hands-on experience in organic chemistry, including multistep synthesis, purification, and compound characterisation.

Proven ability to work independently in a chemistry setting, with strong problem-solving skills and scientific judgement.

Experience developing and running bespoke chemical protocols tailored to exploratory research questions.

Ability to optimise synthetic routes where necessary and to produce robust and reproducible synthetic protocols

Good understanding of mass spectrometry, including LCMS, MS/MS, and proteomics

Understanding of key biological processes such as transcription and translation

Understanding of some basic molecular biology techniques such as molecular cloning, protein expression, purification and analysis

Strong understanding of chemical safety regulations and best practices in a laboratory setting.

Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills, with a commitment to high standards of data integrity and reproducibility.

Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to convey complex chemical concepts to non-specialist audiences.

A proactive and adaptable mindset, comfortable navigating a fast-paced, evolving research environment.

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electrical 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, or be willing to relocate to 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.