The Research Scientist, under the guidance of the Lead R&D scientist, will use their experience to screen, validate and improve on a range of CRISPR genome editing technologies. The focus of the activities will be on improvement and development of CRISPR-mediated HDR method in plants. Additional focus will be on collaborating with the wider Phytoform team as well as external collaborators, validating and onboarding varied CRISPR methods, such as base editing and prime editing, as well as new nucleases and other genome editing systems. If you have previously been part of an academic or industry team, but now would like to work in a fast-paced start-up environment to see real world impact first hand then you would be a great fit.
In this role, you will:
● Develop and improve CRISPR-mediated HDR methods to diversify edits in plants.
● Scout patents and literature for state-of-the-art precision editing technologies.
● Screen novel nucleases in a high-throughput system for enzyme improvement.
● Validate, improve and help product teams to onboard a range of CRISPR technologies, such as base editing and prime editing.
● Collaborate with the wider scientific team, leveraging a range of techniques such as plant cell culture and microfluidics in order to improve on CRISPR methods in innovative ways.
● Work with RNPs and plasmids as well as develop transient transfection methods for differentcrops and cell types, leveraging Phytoform’s expanding knowledge base of protoplast transfection methods.
● Use high-throughput imaging and FACS for screening and evaluating CRISPR tool activity.
● Perform a range of molecular tasks such as DNA, RNA isolation and transient transfection.
● Have strong cloning skills and experience.
● Keep awell-organised record of all data and results electronically.
● Present and discuss your strategies and advancements to your manager and team.
Requirements
● PhD in Molecular / Synthetic Biology.
● Experience with optimisation of CRISPR tools, including CRISPR HDR.
● Experience with plasmid library cloning and validation.
● Experience with bioinformatic pipelines for complex library NGS analysis.
● Demonstrated advanced problem solving within molecular biology.
● Demonstrated capability to follow and develop protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.
● Strong communication and collaboration skills.
● Track record of application driven research.
● Goal focused and with good time management and excellent record keeping.
● Ability to work in a results-driven, deadline-oriented team.
● Share our passion for sustainability and vision of a future where genetic engineering
plays a key role in improving the resilience of global food systems.
Beneficial but not essential:
● Experience with CRISPR genome editing in model plants and non-model crops.
● Experience working with plant protoplasts and high throughput transfection.
● Practical experience with high through put methods, such as FACS, high throughput imaging and multiplexnext-generation sequencing methods.
● Experience with fluorescence in situ hybridisation.
What we offer
● Competitive salary.
● Share of value you create through Employee Stock Option Plan.
● Private medical insurance.
● Great working environment in a multidisciplinary team.
● A flexible working arrangement: early or late working with core hours of 10am-4pm.
● Possibility of working from home when compiling and analysing data.
● Access to a gym & tennis courts.
● Cycle to work scheme.
If you are looking for a new challenge and like working with a small multidisciplinary team
where new ideas are welcome, then we would love to meet you!
If you are looking for a fast-paced environment, new challenges and like working with a multidisciplinary team, then this job is for you. You will be responsible for management of our research technician team, plant growth oversight as well as being a hands-on technician. You will be responsible for the service delivery and all activities and outputs relating to the glasshouse and laboratory. If you have previously been part of an academic or industry team and have horticultural experience and would like to work in a start-up environment then you would be a great fit.
In this role you will:
● Support our R&D teams with ownership of technical support tasks
● Provide leadership of the technical support team including weekly & daily task management
● Plan, Access and Track the use of controlled environment chambers and greenhouses& communicate with Rothamsted Research Horticulture team
● Trackand maintain soil grown plants -Tomato, Potato and others
● Trackand maintain sterile growth and tissue culture of Tomato, Potato and others
● Deliveryof Plant RNA-seq sample collection experiments
● Oversightand delivery of basic molecular biology protocols (Bacterial transformations,DNA minipreps & midipreps, glycerol stocks, etc.)
● Oversightand preparation of custom media for plant tissue culture and general molecular biology
● Laboratory stocks management (Lab consumables & Deliveries, Seeds, Plant material and custom plasmid and DNA) & communication with the Lab Manager
Requirements:
● A minimum Msc in Plant Biology or a qualification in horticulture
● 2 years+ research experience in a biological laboratory.
● Experience of managing staff and projects.
● You will be an inspiring leader with strong interpersonal and organisational skills with the ability to organise the technical support team.
● Experience of working with plants in both glasshouse and laboratory environments..
● Experience in sterile working practices, preparing and maintaining media stocks.
● Practical experience of research technician work including molecular biology protocols such as RNA and DNA extraction from plant tissues.
● Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
● Demonstratable numeracy skills.
● Exceptional attention to detail, precision and accuracy, documentation skills and accurate record keeping.
● Great organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise, organise and coordinate a range of tasks simultaneously.
● The ability to follow and create written protocols and instructions.
● A self-motivated, flexible and proactive approach to work, working under your own initiative, working during public holidays if required.
● Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office Word and Excel. Experience with using laboratory management software (ELNs) and project management software (Asana or others).
● A team player with an enthusiasm for working in a busy and evolving environment.
What we offer
● Competitive salary
● Share of value you create through Employee Stock Option Plan
● Private Medical Insurance
● Great working environment in a multidisciplinary team
● A flexible working arrangement: early or late working with core hours of 10am-4pm
● Possibility of working from home when compiling and analysing data
● Access to a gym & tennis courts
● Access to the cycle to work scheme
If you are looking for a new challenge and like working with a small multidisciplinary team where new ideas are welcome, then we would love to meet you!
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Competitive
Ideal Start Date: As soon as possible!
