Group Leaders - Plant Biology Institute

About EIT

The Ellison Institute of Technology is establishing a world-class R&D facility at Oxford Science Park to drive sustainable innovation in health, food security, climate change, and AI - transforming breakthrough science into global solutions.

About the Plant Biology Institute

Led by Professor Steve Kelly, the Plant Biology Institute is a key part of EIT Oxford. Its mission is to develop impactful, commercially sustainable solutions to improve global food production and planetary health through pioneering plant science.

The Institute brings together world-class researchers focused on enhancing food production while improving climate and ecosystem outcomes. By embedding cutting-edge plant science within an organisation dedicated to solving global challenges, we aim to accelerate the journey from discovery to impact.

Research Areas Include:

• Improving plant productivity indoors and outdoors
• Reducing reliance on water, fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides
• Developing decarbonised plant-based platforms for food and medicine
• Advancing technologies to accelerate plant research and deployment

Join Us

EIT is seeking exceptional Research Group Leaders to help shape the newly established Plant Biology Institute. These leadership roles focus on high-impact scientific challenges in areas such as:

• Biological nitrogen fixation
• Decarbonised plant-based production platforms
• Advanced genome editing and transformation technologies

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership

• Develop and execute a focused research programme aligned with the Institute’s strategy
• Recruit and lead a team of researchers, fostering a positive and engaged culture
• Provide strategic guidance and scientific input across projects

Technical Excellence

• Design and conduct high-quality experiments
• Apply a broad range of techniques to meet research goals
• Maintain accurate records, analyse data, and contribute to publications

Impact-Driven Research

• Align research with user feedback and market needs
• Collaborate across EIT on AI, automation, and generative biology
• Work with global leaders in commercialisation and impact creation
• Translate research into commercial opportunities and IP
• Publish high-impact work and represent EIT at conferences

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven and significant experience working in industry, or independent research experience
• Established or emerging thought leader in their field
• Proven ability to manage scientific output and lead teams
• Strategic thinker with a track record of innovation
• Experience in project management and resource allocation

What We Offer

• State-of-the-art labs and growth facilities with substantial core funding
• A collaborative environment tackling global challenges through plant science
• Opportunities for professional development, publication, IP creation, spin-outs, and leadership growth

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Location:OxfordSalary:Competitive + bonus + travel allowanceHours:Full TimeContract Type:PermanentPlaced On:19th September 2025Expires:5th October 2025