Making agriculture sustainable.

The Company

Phytoform's mission is to deliver novel genetic crop solutions that radically improve the sustainability of the agricultural industry. Our game-changing platform can discover and implement new crop traits in timescales measured in months rather than decades. Our platform combines the power of cutting edge AI and novel genome editing technologies to understand and precisely edit plant DNA. Our multi-disciplinary team is driven by our commitment to deliver real world value to the food supply chain, from seed to consumers. Phytoform is a growing seed-stage company funded by world-class investors.

The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated US-based Crop Trait Licensing executive to lead the commercialization of our next generation products. You will work closely with the founders as a critical member of the management team to build and execute our commercial go to market strategy. This will include expanding markets for existing genetic trait assets, identifying new markets and providing feedback to our technical team on future products. Your strategic mindset, established network, exceptional negotiation skills and deep understanding of the agricultural industry will be instrumental in maximizing the value of our crop trait products.

Responsibilities:

• Commercial Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive licensing strategy to maximize the potential of our crop traits portfolio with close support from the founders.
• Market Analysis: Conduct market research and analysis to identify key market opportunities and potential licensees within the agricultural industry.
• Business Development: Identify and engage potential licensing partners, negotiate licensing agreements, and manage ongoing relationships with licensees.
• Team Building: Build out and manage Phytoform’s commercial team over time.
• Competitive Intelligence: Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to stay informed and identify new business opportunities.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with internal teams such as research and development, legal, marketing, and finance to ensure     seamless execution of licensing strategies.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with licensees, addressing their needs and ensuring successful adoption and     commercialization of licensed crop traits.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in agriculture, business, or a related field.
• Proven track record of5-10 years in licensing or business development within the agricultural industry, preferably in crop traits or biotechnology.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities.
• A strong agricultural industry network globally with particularly close ties in the US.
• Strong understanding of intellectual property management, patent landscape, and licensing agreements.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills and a demonstrable ability to close deals.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong business relationships.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in market research and competitive analysis.
• Knowledge of agricultural markets, farming practices, and crop genetics.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and bonus
• Attractive stock option package
• Full Health benefits plan contribution
• Rewarding environment working with a multi disciplinary team
• Flexible working hours

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Job Type: Full-time, permanent position.

This is a US-based remote role,  working in conjunction with our main headquarters in the UK.

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The Company

Phytoform is a US-UK company working on improving crop varieties with the help of new breeding technologies and artificial intelligence. We are a multidisciplinary team looking to enhance crop species to be in pair with a sustainable future. We are at a pivotal time in the agri-tech industry where the projects developed today in this sector will define the world of tomorrow. The company is currently in the seeding stage with exciting growth plans over the next few years and is looking for a dedicated Research Technician to join our technical support team.

The Role

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 maintenance of non-sterile and sterile plant material in a range of growth environments, media & laboratory consumables preparation for the wet-lab and on occasion perform molecular work. If you have previously been part of an academic or industry team, but now would like to work in a start-up environment then you would be a great fit.

In this role you will:

• Assist in various areas of laboratory maintenance, cleaning and tidying of lab areas, calibration of equipment, waste management and ensure a smooth running of the laboratory
• Prepare various types of bacterial and plant growth media for laboratory use
• Assist in keeping labs stocked with laboratory consumables, including sterilised plastic-ware and glass-ware
• Assist in maintenance of greenhouses and controlled environment (CE) spaces, including calibration, cleaning, and turning over compartments, monitoring and recording plant growth
• Assist in growing horticultural and field crops, including genetically modified and genome edited plant material
• Maintain sterile tissue culture of of a number of crop species (e.g. tomato, potato)
• Assist in DNA and RNA extraction from plant material as well as bacterial DNA plasmid preps and perform sample quality control

Requirements:

• BSc Plant Sciences, Biology or a related subject.
• Experience in sterile working practices, preparing and maintaining media stocks.
• Experience of working with plants in both a laboratory environment and glasshouse.
• Practical experience of laboratory technician/biological scientific research work.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrable 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 written protocols and instructions.
• A flexible and proactive approach to work, working under your own initiative, working out of hours if required.
• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
• A team player with an enthusiasm for working in a busy and evolving environment.
  

You get extra points if you:

• Have experience of molecular techniques including cloning and plasmid preparation
• Can demonstrate a strong record of laboratory experience and using a Laboratory Management System. If you bring experience of self-directed, multidisciplinary laboratory work that would be great.
• Can demonstrate a record of using project management software.
• Have practical experience with plant tissue culture.
• Have experience growing plants in an industry R&D operation
• Share our passion for sustainability

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
• Access to a gym & tennis
• Cycle to work scheme