Research Assistant at the Generative Biology Institute- Ellison institute of technology Oxford
About the Research Group
The Zürcher Group, based within the Generative Biology Institute (GBI) at the Ellison Institute of Technology, is developing next-generation methods to rapidly and scalably write entire microbial and bacteriophage genomes. The group’s work aims to enable:
- Genetic isolation of organisms
- Mechanistic investigation of host–pathogen interactions
- Large-scale vector assembly toward gigabase-scale genome synthesis
This research sits at the interface of engineering biology, synthetic genomics, and host–microbe interactions, with applications spanning fundamental biology and translational biotechnology.
Job Summary
The Generative Biology Institute is seeking enthusiastic and motivated Research Assistants to support ongoing research across its laboratories. This position is well-suited for individuals looking to apply their academic training in a hands-on, research-intensive environment.
As a Research Assistant, you will contribute to one or more GBI research groups, supporting experimental workflows, data generation and analysis, and the day-to-day operation of a modern, well-resourced laboratory. You will work closely with scientists across the institute and contribute to scientific reports, presentations, and other research outputs in a highly collaborative setting dedicated to advancing engineering biology at scale.
Key Responsibilities
- Support experimental laboratory work aligned with the selected research group(s)
- Assist with data collection, processing, and analysis
- Contribute to the development, optimisation, and maintenance of laboratory methods and capabilities
- Help prepare scientific reports, presentations, and documentation
- Collaborate with researchers across GBI in a multidisciplinary research environment
Applying to Research Groups
This Research Assistant position is advertised jointly with similar roles across multiple GBI research groups, each with a distinct research focus.
Applicants must apply to specific research groups as part of their application.
- You may select up to three (3) research groups on the application form
- In your cover letter, clearly state:
- The group(s) you are applying to
- Your interest in each group
- Relevant skills and experience aligned with each research theme
⚠️ Applications that do not specify research group preferences or that select more than three groups will not be considered.
Application Process
- All applications must be submitted exclusively through the Ellison Institute of Technology job portal. Click the apply button to be redirected there
- Applicants are strongly advised not to contact Principal Investigators directly, as direct outreach will not be considered part of the application process
- Due to the high volume of applications, the review and decision process may take 3–6 months
