AI & Automation Lead for Plant Transformation - Plant Biology Institute

Join us at EIT:

At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we're on a mission to translate scientific discovery into real world impact. We bring together visionary scientists, technologists, engineers, researchers, educators and innovators to tackle humanity's greatest challenges in four transformative areas:

• Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
• Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
• Climate Change & Managing CO₂
• Artificial Intelligence & Robotics

Welcome to the Plant Biology Institute:

The Plant Biology Institute, headed by Professor Steve Kelly, is a key part of the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford. The institute aims to develop impactful and commercially sustainable solutions for improving global food production and planetary health through pioneering plant science research.

Your Role:

At EIT we are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Lead for AI & Automation for Plant Transformation to join the Transformation Facility at the pioneering Plant Biology Institute.

Your Responsibilities:

• Provide plant sciences subject matter expertise to design, develop and implement automated robotic systems for transformation and tissue culture workflows.
• Co-develop computer vision systems for the transformation pipeline, validation of phenotyping and automation tools, and performance optimization.
• Partner with AIR and data engineering teams to establish robust data pipelines for predictive modelling.
• Provide scientific and project leadership to researchers and engineers in applied AI/ML and automation engineering within a matrix team structure.
• Co-develop and manage project plans, timelines, and reporting frameworks.
• Provide oversight and accountability within PBI for this matrixed project team.
• Engage stakeholders across transformation team, wider PBI, AIR, and external partners.
• Deploy automated robotic systems for transformation and tissue culture workflows.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to incorporate cutting edge applied technologies to develop commercial products.
• Present scientific work at seminars within EIT and at external meetings or conferences.
• To assist in mentoring graduate students and other members of the research group where appropriate.
• Collaborate with experts at the forefront of research on AI, automation, and generative biology across the EIT ecosystem.
• Provide regular structure reporting on progress, risks and delivery status.
• To assist in the translation of scientific results into publications, commercial opportunities.
• Recognise and act on opportunities for the creation of IP and cooperating in patent protection and in impact delivery.
• Experience moving innovations beyond proof of concept and towards validated, scalable and impactful products.

Requirements

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD in Plant Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, or Plant Biotechnology.
• Background in crop transformation enabling technologies in an industrial or academic setting.
• Strong expertise in plant regeneration, morphogenesis, and transformation systems for elite lines or recalcitrant crops.
• Experience manipulating developmental regulators to enhance regeneration and transformation efficiency.
• Track record of innovation in transformation or regeneration biology.
• Ability to translate mechanistic biology into practical applications.
• Experience in planning and management tools like spreadsheets, Microsoft planner, LIMS, ELN or confluence.
• Demonstrated experience in project leadership, cross functional team coordination, and delivery accountability.
• Ability to build both internal and external relationships.
• Clear and demonstrable problem-solving skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Excellent written communication and report writing skills.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Experience in plant biology or controlled environment automation systems.
• Experience with computer vision in biological imaging contexts.
• Experience integrating hardware, software, and biological workflows.
• Experience leading matrixed or cross institutional project teams.
• Experience progressing research platforms toward product development.