Head of Marketing & Communications - Pathogen Programme

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 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.

EIT is looking for a Head of Communications and Marketing to build the Pathogen programmes brand and ensure we are a trusted partner in the fight against infectious disease. Reporting to the Programme Director, this role is key in building coherent communications, marketing and brand strategies; delivering a compelling channel strategy; and ensuring our communications support our vision of building a commercially sustainable impact led business, focused on revolutionising the treatment of infectious disease. The post holder will lead a small team and manage some external agencies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of integrated communications, marketing, and brand strategies that align with the company’s vision, mission, and product roadmap.
• Design and deliver a multi-channel content and engagement strategy across the website, LinkedIn, marketing materials, and other platforms, ensuring consistency and relevance.
• Write, edit, and manage the production of high-quality science-led external communications, including press releases, newsletters, and product materials.
• Oversee digital channels, including the company website and social media accounts, ensuring strong SEO performance and audience engagement.
• Collaborate closely with the product team to refine brand positioning, define target audiences, and drive customer engagement strategies.
• Lead the company’s presence at key events and conferences, coordinating across teams to deliver cohesive, high-impact stakeholder experiences.
• Support the leadership team with team engagement through activities, events and internal comms channels.
• Maintain and evolve the brand identity.
• Manage external partners and agencies, including those supporting branding, web development, SEO, and events.
• Work closely with EIT comms team to align messaging and amplify content.
• Use communications and marketing to position the company as a credible thought leader in the field of infectious disease.
• Any additional duties or tasks, commensurate with job role.

Qualifications & Experience:

• At least 8 years’ experience in communications or marketing.
• Experience in working in a rapidly scaling business.
• Line management experience.
• PR knowledge and experience, ideally within a highly regulated environment.
• Experience in healthcare, preferably life sciences, biotech, medtech or other highly regulated area, and an understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements around the promotion of medicines and medical devices.
• Strong scientific understanding and experience of scientific communications.
• Understanding of product marketing.
• Experience of collaborating with a range of teams, including R&D, medical, business development and product.
• Strong marketing tools exposure.
• Hardworking, forward thinking and detail oriented personality.
• Strong organisation and time management capabilities, with the proactiveness to manage own workload.

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Salary: £90k-£100k (depending on experience) + travel allowance + bonus.
• Enhanced holiday pay.
• Pension.
• Life Assurance.
• Income Protection.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Hospital Cash Plan.
• Therapy Services.
• Perk Box.

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.