COO (Chief Operating Officer) – Pathogena

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford tackles humanity’s greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas like health, food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, clean energy, and AI-driven government innovation, EIT Oxford blends groundbreaking research with practical applications to deliver lasting results.

A cornerstone of EIT Oxford’s mission is its upcoming 300,000-square-foot research facility at the Oxford Science Park, set to open in 2027. This cutting-edge campus will feature advanced labs, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and collaborative spaces to strengthen its partnership with the University of Oxford. It will also host the Ellison Scholars, driving innovation for societal benefit.

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.

We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help lead the pathogen programme towards commercial sustainability. Reporting to Dr Emma Stanton (CEO – EIT Pathogena), this role is key in building the financial viability and sustainable processes necessary for the Pathogen Programme to deliver commercially sustainable and scaled products and services to tackle infectious disease globally. The post holder will be a key member of the programme leadership team. The successful candidate will have a crucial role in ensuring the programme scales in ways aligned with its mission and that it is building toward profitability and runs efficiently and sustainably as it scales.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations

1. Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the programme’s goals.
2. Oversee operating divisions of the programme and special initiatives.
3. Work with the Chief Product and Technology officer to define market priorities and establish product-market fit.
4. Ensure that the programme has the right people in the right roles and that its overall people growth strategy is aligned to its mission and goals.
5. Work with EIT functions for human resources, legal, and communications to ensure that these areas continue to meet the needs of the pathogens programme as it grows and that all legal/statutory requirements are met.

Finance

1. Develop and execute the programme’s financial strategy, aligning it with business goals and long-term objectives.
2. Oversee financial forecasting, budgeting, risk management and financial modelling to ensure the programme stays on track.
3. Oversee financial analyses around potential partnerships and the development of business cases to support decision making.
4. Work with EIT finance to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to the Programme Board and other key stakeholders and to ensure that the financial relationship between EIT and the pathogen programme remains smooth.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience:

1. Higher level qualification in business, finance or accounting.
2. Experience of establishing and rapidly growing operational functions within hyper scaling organisations.
3. Experience of financial planning, modelling, and business case development within hyper scaling organisations.
4. M&A and commercial partnership experience.
5. Experience of rapidly scaling a life sciences/med tech/biotech company.
6. Highly organised and detail-oriented, with a commitment to quality and precision.
7. Ability to solve complex operational problems swiftly and make high-impact decisions under pressure.
8. Strong analytical skills to monitor performance metrics, identify bottlenecks, and assess the effectiveness of operational strategies.
9. Proactive, with a strong ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
10. Resilient and agile in approach to workloads and ever-changing demands or direction.
11. A team player who is positive, hands on, and able to get the best out of a team.

Benefits

We offer the following salary and benefits:

1. Salary: Competitive, depending on experience + travel allowance + bonus.
2. Enhanced holiday pay.
3. Pension.
4. Life Assurance.
5. Income Protection.
6. Private Medical Insurance.
7. Hospital Cash Plan.
8. Therapy Services.
9. Perk Box.
10. Electric 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:

1. You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
2. You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
3. During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.