Apply now for our Group Leader - Engineering Biology
Welcome from The Earlham Institute
Thank you for your interest in the role of Group Leader in Engineering Biology at The Earlham Institute (EI).
Based within the Norwich Research Park, the Earlham Institute (EI) was established as a national facility to promote the use of genomics to advance bioscience research and innovation in the UK, supporting academic and industrial investigators. EI is focused on understanding the natural world through the lens of genomics, bringing a strong focus on genomics, computational systems and synthetic biology. In a unique interdisciplinary environment, the Institute explores the scale and complexity of living systems to protect life on Earth. Through our research, collaborations, training, and scientific services, we are leading a revolution in data-intensive bioscience.
The Earlham Institute is seeking an outstanding and ambitious researcher with an excellent track record (commensurate with career stage) to join the Research Faculty as a new Group Leader. We invite applications from those working in research focused on engineering biology to establish and lead an internationally recognised programme of innovative research. They will foster strong and mutually beneficial relationships and collaborations within the Earlham Institute, with other academic institutions and with industry, government and wider stakeholders. We would like to particularly encourage applicants who would utilise the Institutes’ Transformative Genomics and BioFoundry capability, and/or are applying AI approaches to the design, build, test, learn cycle.
The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate a track record of success in securing competitive research funding in a relevant field, developing their own research programme and in publishing high quality research. They will share EI’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and nurturing culture, promoting equality and diversity.
We encourage you to arrange a discussion with our search partner, McLean Partnership, to find out more about the opportunity.
An information pack has been developed to provide you with more information about us, our research and the Norwich Research Park. Please browse our website at Earlham Institute for further information.
Neil Hall
Director, Earlham Institute
What we're looking for
Appointment of Group Leader – Engineering Biology
The Group Leader in Engineering Biology will lead an independent high-profile research group working in any area of the Earlham Institute (EI) research portfolio.
The successful candidate will build, develop and lead their own independent, internationally recognised research programme, publish significant research papers, attract substantial external funding, manage their own research team, and be responsible for financial control and delivery of their own research projects.
All faculty also contribute to the national capability nature of the Institute either through the development of tools and technology or delivery of advanced training.
They will:
- Establish and lead an internationally recognised programme of innovative research in engineering biology, or related area.
Build and manage a research group, including the training of postgraduate students. - Contribute to an inclusive and collegiate culture at the Earlham Institute, based on research excellence, integrity and respect.
- Foster strong and mutually beneficial relationships and collaborations within the Earlham Institute, with other academic institutions and with industry, government and the wider stakeholders.
- Support the translation of research into applications that can deliver solutions to industrial challenges and deliver impact.
- Obtain external financial support for your research programme and effectively manage your research budgets and funding.
A Candidate Pack can be downloaded here:
We have engaged McLean Partnership to support the recruitment to this post. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Graham Little and Giuseppe Feniello via email at ei@mcleanpartnership.com
Completed applications should be submitted by email to ei@mcleanpartnership.com and must include:
Application is by submission of a curriculum vitae, a research statement (including the impact of your research to date and your research vision for the future) and a covering letter outlining your motivation and addressing the criteria.
Closing Date: Friday 29th August 2025 at 09:00 BST.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute supports equality of opportunity within the workplace and expects all employees to share and display these values. To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.
Contact information
Dr Graham Little, Partner
Email: grahamlittle@mcleanpartnership.com
Mobile: +44 (0)7801 197 898
Giuseppe Feniello, Researcher
Email: giuseppefeniello@mcleanpartnership.com
Mobile: +44 (0)7920 443 658
