As a Scientist or Senior Scientist (depending on your experience), you will be at the forefront of developing and delivering large DNA molecules to potato cells, monitoring and validating chromosome components, with your work contributing directly to one of the most significant innovations in plant synthetic biology. You will collaborate closely with academic and industrial world leaders in synthetic genomics, genome editing, epigenetics. 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 and develop a project from the ground up then you would be a great fit.
What you will do
- Lead and execute the delivery of mini-chromosomes for validation of chromosome components (e.g., centromeres, telomeres, and origin of replication elements) in moss, tomato, and potato systems.
- Perform isolation and molecular characterization (e.g., Nanopore sequencing, FISH, and karyotyping) of genetically engineered plant cells.
- Develop and optimize delivery strategies, including protoplast transformation of large DNA molecules and microcell-mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT).
- Mentor junior team members while working in close collaboration with the broader team responsible for this project at Phytoform and consortium partners.
- Maintain accurate, high-quality experimental records and contribute to project reporting for grant milestones.
- Present and discuss your strategies and advancements internally to your manager and team and externally at consortium meetings.
Essential Requirements
- PhD in Plant Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a closely related field.
- Strong hands-on expertise with plant protoplast transformation and protoplast fusion.
- Practical experience in plant cytogenetics and microscopy (e.g., karyotyping, fluorescent tag engineering and detection, FISH).
- Expertise in molecular cloning, DNA assembly techniques, and genomic analyses.
- Knowledge of chromatin biology, epigenetics, or DNA replication mechanisms.
- Proven ability to independently plan, execute, and troubleshoot complex biological experiments.
- Strong organizational, communication, and team-working skills.
Beneficial Experience
- Prior experience working with Physcomitrium patens.
- Experience with synthetic chromosome assembly and manipulation or large DNA construct engineering.
- Experience working in an industry-academic partnership or multi-institutional projects.
- Familiarity with high-throughput plant regeneration or microfluidics-based selection platforms.
Why Join Us?
- Contribute to pioneering, high-impact research with potential global agricultural applications.
- Work within a fast-paced, innovation-driven biotech company with close academic collaboration.
- Access cutting-edge facilities, synthetic biology platforms, and take part in a great multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
- Competitive salary and benefits in a dynamic and supportive environment:
- Share of the 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.
Application Instructions
If you’re looking for a new challenge and enjoy working as part of a small, multi disciplinary team where new ideas are welcomed, then we would love to meet you!
To apply, please submit a cover letter addressing your fit for the role and motivation to join the project (max 1 page) followed by your CV highlighting relevant experience in a single PDF file to apply@phytoformlabs.com stating “Senior Scientist – Plant Chromosome Engineering Application” in the title.
Alternatively, apply through the Phytoform careers page https://www.phytoformlabs.com/careers.
Location: Harpenden, London, United Kingdom
Contract: Full-time, 3 years to 31st May 2028 (renewable based on project milestones and funding)
Visa status: Visa sponsorship can be considered for this position
Start Date: As soon as possible
Application Deadline: June 2025
Interviews: Rolling basis
Salary: compensation will be based on experience and qualifications + Stock Options
This job is part of an Advanced Research + Innovation Agency - funded project, subject to contract negotiations.
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