Microbiologist - Pathogen

Led by a world class faculty of scientists, technologists, policy makers, economists and entrepreneurs, the Ellison Institute of Technology aims to develop and deploy commercially sustainable solutions to solve some of humanity's most enduring challenges. Our work is guided by four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2 and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.

Set for completion in 2027, the EIT Campus in Littlemore will include more than 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, educational and gathering spaces. Fuelled by growing ambition and the strength of Oxford's science ecosystem, EIT is now expanding its footprint to a 2 million sq ft Campus across the western part of The Oxford Science Park. Designed by Foster + Partners led by Lord Norman Foster, this will become a transformative workplace for up to 7,000 people, with autonomous laboratories, purpose built laboratories including a plant sciences building and dynamic spaces to spark interdisciplinary collaboration.

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 a motivated and detail oriented Microbiologist to join the Pathogen Program and support EIT's pathogen phenotyping capabilities. This role focuses on the execution and optimisation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for bacterial isolates. The program will later expand to include phenotyping of fungal and viral pathogens.

Working under the supervision of the Senior Microbiologist, you will be responsible for implementing and running EUCAST- and CLSI compliant assays, maintaining high standards of quality and reproducibility, and contributing to the development of new and improved protocols. While your core focus will be on assay execution and laboratory operations, you will also have the opportunity to contribute creatively to the development of new assays and workflows that enhance data generation and analytical depth.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing scientific team, helping build a world class reference laboratory at the intersection of microbiology, automation, and data science.

Key Responsibilities: Assay Implementation and Development

• Execute AST protocols for bacterial pathogens in compliance with EUCAST and CLSI standards.
• Perform microbial culture, isolation, and identification ensuring biosafety and quality control at all stages.
• Operate and maintain phenotyping instruments such as Thermo Fisher Sensititre, BD Phoenix, bioMérieux VITEK, or equivalent systems.
• Support the establishment and maintenance of MALDI TOF MS workflows for microbial identification and resistance profiling.
• Participate in developing novel or optimised bacterial assays to increase the quality and richness of phenotypic data.
• Contribute ideas and experimental input to the continuous improvement of assay performance and analytical methods.

Laboratory Operations and Quality Management

• Perform daily laboratory testing with precision, accuracy, and adherence to established SOPs and quality systems.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, QC results, and equipment logs.
• Assist in the preparation and refinement of SOPs, protocols, and training materials.
• Support laboratory setup, maintenance, and biosafety compliance.

Collaboration and Innovation

• Work closely with the Senior Microbiologist and EIT's automation engineers to integrate and optimise workflows on robotic or semi automated systems.
• Liaise with data and bioinformatics teams to ensure accurate data capture, management, and interpretation.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to experimental design discussions and troubleshooting.
• Support method transfer and training activities for EIT's partner laboratories worldwide.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• BSc or MSc in Microbiology, Infectious Disease Biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong practical experience in bacterial culture, isolation, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing following EUCAST or CLSI standards.
• Hands on experience with automated or semi automated microbiology systems (e.g., Sensititre, BD Phoenix, VITEK).
• Good understanding of biosafety procedures within Containment Level 2 (CL2) laboratories.
• Proven ability to maintain accurate laboratory records, perform QC, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Exposure to MALDI TOF MS systems for microbial identification.
• Familiarity with digital laboratory tools such as LIMS or data integrated workflows.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Familiarity with automated liquid handling or robotic screening platforms.
• Knowledge of fungal or viral phenotyping methods.
• Experience with assay optimisation, validation, or technology transfer.
• Demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for innovation in microbiology.
• HCPC registration or eligibility.

Key Attributes:

• Detail oriented and methodical approach to laboratory work.
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

We offer the following 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, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.