Research Assistant - Generative Biology Institute

Generative Biology Institute
The Generative Biology Institute (GBI) is tackling the key challenges in making biology engineerable, and thereby unlocking the unrivalled power of biology for the benefit of humanity. GBI is part of the Ellison Institute of Technology, Oxford (EIT) and is led by founding Director Jason Chin.

The vision of the Generative Biology Institute is to lay the foundations for engineering biology, and unlock its potential for good. To achieve this, we must overcome two key challenges. First, we need the ability to write in the natural language of biology, enabling the rapid and scalable synthesis of entire genomes with precision. Second, we must understand what to write - determining which DNA sequences will generate biological systems that perform the desired functions. Addressing these challenges will allow us to harness the full power of biology to create transformative solutions across health, agriculture, clean energy and more.

GBI will have sustained and substantial funding to support the unique scale and ambition of its ground-breaking vision for engineering biology. GBI researchers will also be supported by cutting-edge technology hubs including mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, sequencing, automation, imaging, and bioprocessing. GBI will also have access to substantial compute resources that can be leveraged to further accelerate progress, including scientific compute, bioinformatics, and machine learning. The environment at GBI will allow researchers to undertake ambitious, long-term, collaborative research, and we will actively support the translation of research to commercial applications, where appropriate.

The Generative Biology Institute will commence operations in a newly renovated bespoke space in the Oxford Science Park. The team will later move to a purpose-made facility in the Oxford Science Park, currently under construction. Once complete, this state-of-the‑art facility will include more than 40,000 m² of research laboratory and office space.It will house over 30 groups and up to 600 employees at scale, focused on solving the two critical challenges in making biology engineerable and applying the solutions to addressing the global challenges encapsulated in EIT’s Humane Endeavors.

Job Summary

The Generative Biology Institute (GBI) is seeking enthusiastic and motivated Research Assistants to join the institute. This role is ideal for individuals looking to apply their academic training in a practical, research-intensive environment. Research Assistants will support ongoing research projects within one or more GBI research groups, assisting with experimental work, data collection and analysis, and the development and maintenance of laboratory capabilities. You will also contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, presentations, and other research outputs, working closely with researchers across GBI in a collaborative and well‑resourced setting dedicated to advancing engineering biology at scale.

Applications to Research Groups

Applicants are required to apply to specific research groups as part of their application. On the application form, you may select up to three (3) research groups. In your cover letter, please clearly indicate the group(s) you are applying to and describe your interest, relevant skills, and experience for each. Applications that do not specify research group preferences, or that select more than three groups, will not be considered.

All applications must be submitted exclusively through the EIT job portal. Please do not contact Principal Investigators directly, as direct outreach will not be considered as part of the application process. Due to the volume of applications, the review and decision process may take 3–6 months.

Principal Investigators currently recruiting for Research Assistants:

Leopold Parts – The Parts group works to engineer and model mammalian chromosomes. In particular, the group has long‑term aims to delete, randomize, evolve, and model chromosome‑scale DNA, all with the aim of informing models of synthetic DNA function; other ideas fitting this broad remit are very welcome.

Rongzhen Tian – The Tian group aims to leverage an orthogonal replication system for the accelerated evolution of complex biological functions to i) advance fundamental scientific understanding of molecular and cellular evolution, ii) develop biomolecules to tackle challenges in human‑health and industry, and iii) generate large‑scale enzyme datasets for training next generation protein design models.

Jérôme Zürcher – The Zürcher group aims to develop methodology to rapidly and scalably write entire genomes of microbes and phages and to leverage these methods to i) genetically isolate organisms, ii) investigate host‑pathogen interactions, iii) provide a platform for large vector assembly towards Gb‑scale genome synthesis.

Linda van Bijsterveldt – The van Bijsterveldt group aims to develop methods for building and stably transmitting synthetic chromosomes through mitosis and meiosis in mammals and plants. Projects focus on i) creating scalable platforms for constructing entire genomes, ii) transferring chromosomes between different species, and iii) controlling trait inheritance patterns.

Kiarash Jamali – The Jamali group focuses on integrating novel, large databases and inductive biases in generative models of biomolecules, seeking to create next generation tools that would enable protein design of new‑to‑nature enzymatic reactions, therapeutics, and molecular motors. A particular focus will be on the integration of learned machine‑learning force fields with generative protein modelling.

Fabian Rehm – The Rehm group works to develop and apply new approaches for the continuous evolution of target genes, and the synthesis of large microbial genome stretches. Research will focus on i) evolving complex, multi‑gene traits within a single experiment, ii) building selective pressures that reward desired behaviours while minimising escape routes, iii) how to borrow principles from natural evolution, such as modularity, gene amplification, or cooperation, to help engineered organisms explore richer evolutionary pathways.

Jason Chin – The Chin group’s work pioneers: i) the development and application of genome design and synthesis methods and ii) combines these approaches with cellular engineering for the encoded cellular synthesis of new polymers and materials.

Key Responsibilities for all Research Assistants:

• Assist in scientific studies and experiments by collecting and analysing data under the guidance of the senior scientists
• Perform routine laboratory tasks such as preparing samples, setting up equipment, and maintaining lab safety protocols
• Analyse experimental data using software tools. Prepare reports and presentations of findings
• Support the Research Group in the development of written materials, including publications, conference presentations and laboratory protocols
• Carry out desk‑based research to establish the state of the art in scientific areas related to the work of GBI
• Stay current on scientific advancements and technologies related to the field of synthetic biology through journals, conferences, and other academic resources
• Provide general day to day support to the wider team and any other duties requested of you by your group leader

This list is not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to undertake additional tasks and duties commensurate with the role.

Essential & Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science)
• Previous experience in working in a research laboratory
• Ability to work effectively in a high‑growth, fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly organised with an ability to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, inter‑personal skills, and the ability to work with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience with problem solving involving multiple internal and external stakeholders

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, 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.

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