Research Assistant - Pathogen

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 BiologyFood Security & Sustainable AgricultureClimate Change & Managing CO₂ Artificial Intelligence & RoboticsThis is ambitious work - work that demands curiosity, courage, and a relentless drive to make a difference. At EIT, you'll join a community built on excellence, innovation, tenacity, trust, and collaboration, where bold ideas become real-world breakthroughs. Together, we push boundaries, embrace complexity, and create solutions to scale ideas from lab to society. Explore more at www.eit.org.Welcome to the Pathogen Project:Within this ecosystem, the Pathogen Project exemplifies EIT's dedication to ground-breaking science. It seeks to transform pathogen risk management, detection and response by leveraging Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)-based metagenomic and pathogen-specific analytical tools. The goal is to power metagenomic devices using long-read sequencing technologies by building a comprehensive database of pathogen information to inform response. The database will comprise >400,00 paired high-quality long-read sequences with comprehensive antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Enabled by Oracle Inc.'s cloud-computing scale and security, the Pathogen Project is advancing toward certified diagnostic tools for deployment in laboratories, hospitals, and public health organisations worldwide.Your Role: At EIT we are seeking an experienced and detailed orientated Research Assistant to join the Pathogen Program and support the generation of high-quality microbiology data and microbiology R&D.We're building a reference and innovation laboratory focused on large-scale biobanking and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of bacterial isolates, alongside sequencing-based characterisation. The goal is to generate high-quality datasets at scale to support the development of metagenomic diagnostics and genome-based antimicrobial susceptibility prediction.The laboratory is being developed as a highly automated environment, integrating robotics, data systems, and advanced instrumentation to enable scalable and reproducible workflows. Working under the supervision of senior microbiologists, you will work as part of a team towardsthe executionof a variety of protocols involving microbial culture, identification and biobanking, and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) primarily based on broth microdilution. While your core focus will be on protocol execution and laboratory operations within an automated laboratory system, you will also have the opportunity to contribute creatively to the design, development, and optimisation of workflows to enhance data generation and analytical depth.This role operates in an objectives-driven, fast-paced environment, with a strong focus on delivery, data quality, and team outcomes.This is a hands-on role, ideal for someone who enjoys working at the bench and is motivated to contribute to building efficient, scalable, and technology-driven laboratory systems towards the end-goal of reducing pathogen health burdens globally.Key ResponsibilitiesLaboratory Testing, Design and Data GenerationPerform AST of bacterial isolates compliant with established guidelines (EUCAST/CLSI)Contribute to the design and improvement of laboratory workflows, including assay setup, sample handling, and data generation processesPrepare and handle microbial cultures under BSL-2 conditions, including plating, inoculation, and incubation ensuring excellent aseptic technique, biosafety, and quality control at all stagesPerform identification of microbial cultures using MALDI-TOF and/or culture-based methodsPerform biobanking of microbial culturesOperate automated and semi-automated workflows for micro-broth dilutionAbility to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, contributing to shared project and team objectivesLaboratory Operations, Quality and AutomationExecute laboratory workflows with a strong focus on quality, consistency, and reproducibilityMaintain detailed records of experiments, QC results and equipment logs. Perform quality control checks, flag deviations and troubleshoot unexpected results. Ensure laboratory equipment, consumables, and workspaces are in good working orderWork with and support automated laboratory platforms, including setup, operation, and basic troubleshootingEnsure compliance with biosafety and laboratory standardsPerform stock control and orderingWorkflow Development, Automation and CollaborationWork closely with microbiologists, genomics scientists, and automation engineers to support and improve workflowsContribute to the design and optimisation of high-throughput laboratory processesSupport the implementation and continuous improvement of workflows on robotic and automated systemsParticipate in team discussions and contribute ideas to improve efficiency, robustness, and scalabilityRequirementsQualifications and ExperienceEssential SkillsBachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline>2 years of hands-on experience in a wet-lab environment (healthcare, industry or academia)Strong basic microbiology techniques and skills (e.g. culturing, plating, aseptic technique)Strong attention to detail; ability to follow and improve protocolsExcellent organisational, communication, and record-keeping skillsExperience of performing antimicrobial susceptibility testingExperience of using MALDI-TOF systems for bacterial identificationExperience working under BSL-2 conditionsDesirable SkillsExposure to clinical microbiology workflowsExperience of broth micro dilution antimicrobial susceptibility testingFamiliarity with laboratory data systems (LIMS)Experience with sequencing workflows (DNA extraction, library prep) or interest in genomicsExposure to laboratory automation platforms (e.g. liquid handlers such as Hamilton or Opentrons)BenefitsOur Benefits:Travel allowance + BonusEnhanced holiday pay Pension Life AssuranceIncome ProtectionPrivate Medical Insurance Hospital Cash PlanTherapy ServicesPerk BoxElectric Car SchemeWorking Together - What It Involves:You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. In certain cases, we can consider sponsorship, and this will be assessed on a case-by-case basisYou will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford (or be willing to relocate)This is a full time role based on-site in Oxford