AI & Automation Lead for Plant Transformation - Plant Biology Institute

AI & Automation Lead for Plant Transformation - Plant Biology Institute

EIT - Ellison Institute of Technology

Oxford, United Kingdom

Your Role

At EIT we are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Lead for AI & Automation for Plant Transformation to join the Transformation Facility at the pioneering Plant Biology Institute. The candidate will work closely with the AI & Robotics (AIR) team at EIT, and other external partners, providing plant sciences subject matter expertise to co-develop AI and automation solutions that transform and accelerate plant transformation workflows while enhancing pipeline efficiency.

The successful candidate will work within a matrixed, cross functional project team to guide the design and deployment of technology which integrates robotics, computer vision, and data infrastructure to enable scalable, reproducible and data rich transformation platforms, supporting the team with subject matter expertise, structured project planning and execution, and accountability for outcomes.

This role offers a unique opportunity to establish an applied technologies team while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to drive innovation from lab to global impact. The candidate will be expected to play an active role in translating research into commercially applicable tools to advance trait programs and delivering commercial solutions aligned with EIT’s mission of humane technological advancement. This is an exciting opportunity to develop as a leader in a dynamic, well-supported, and purpose-driven environment.

Your Responsibilities

• Provide plant sciences subject matter expertise to design, develop and implement automated robotic systems for transformation and tissue culture workflows;
• Co-develop computer vision systems for the transformation pipeline, validation of phenotyping and automation tools, and performance optimization. Lead the data strategy and validation of predictive ML models to optimize transformation efficiency and regeneration success;
• Partner with AIR and data engineering teams to establish robust data pipelines for predictive modelling using multilayer phenotyping and automation data in high-throughput transformation pipelines;
• Provide scientific and project leadership to researchers and engineers in applied AI/ML and automation engineering within a matrix team structure;
• Co-develop and manage project plans, timelines, and reporting frameworks to ensure delivery of technical milestones and progression towards deployable products;
• Provide oversight and accountability within PBI for this matrixed project team ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and commitments;
• Engage stakeholders across transformation team, wider PBI, AIR, and external partners to ensure transparent communication, progress reporting and expectation management. Contribute to long-term digital transformation strategy;
• Deploy automated robotic systems for transformation and tissue culture workflows;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to incorporate cutting edge applied technologies to develop commercial products;
• Present scientific work at seminars within EIT and at external meetings or conferences, including contributing to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field;
• To assist in mentoring graduate students and other members of the research group where appropriate;
• Collaborate with experts at the forefront of research on AI, automation, and generative biology across the EIT ecosystem;
• Provide regulate structure reporting on progress, risks and delivery status;
• To assist in the translation of scientific results into publications, commercial opportunities consistent with the EIT humane endeavors;
• Recognise the acting on opportunities for the creation of IP and cooperating in patent protection and in impact delivery;
• Experience moving innovations beyond proof of concept and towards validated, scalable and impactful products.

Requirements

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD in Plant Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, or Plant Biotechnology;
• Background in crop transformation enabling technologies in an industrial or academic setting;
• Strong expertise in plant regeneration, morphogenesis, and transformation systems for elite lines or recalcitrant crops;
• Experience manipulating developmental regulators to enhance regeneration and transformation efficiency;
• Track record of innovation in transformation or regeneration biology;
• Ability to translate mechanistic biology into practical applications;
• Experience in planning and management tools like spreadsheets, Microsoft planner, LIMS, ELN or confluence;
• Demonstrated experience in project leadership, cross functional team coordination, and delivery accountability;
• To understand (or have a desire to understand) the path to impact for the research area in question and where appropriate to consider user feedback and market research in designing research experiments;
• Ability to build both internal and external relationships. Working collaboratively with others outside of their discipline;
• Clear and demonstrable problem-solving skills;
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills;
• Excellent written communication and report writing skills.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Experience in plant biology or controlled environment automation systems;
• Experience with computer vision in biological imaging contexts;
• Experience integrating hardware, software, and biological workflows;
• Experience leading matrixed or cross institutional project teams;
• Experience progressing research platforms toward product development.