Building next generation crops.

What you’ll do:

• Work closely with the Lead Tomato Genome Engineer to support the production of precision bred tomato varieties via tissue culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Learn complex tomato tissue culture including media recipe optimisation 
• Support precision breeding pipeline optimisation and implement quality control to ensure high standards
• Professional development to design and execute trait development programs
• Molecular biology work including cloning, gene editing and molecular quality control
• Assist in miscellaneous tasks when necessary, such as greenhouse work
• Accurately record experimental data and maintain detailed laboratory records 
• Analyse experimental data statistically and communicate findings to the wider team with clear visualisations
• Work collaboratively in a fast-paced laboratory environment, following laboratory best practices and maintaining high standards of quality and attention to detail.

‍

Role Requirements

• Essential:
  
  • MSc in Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology, or a related life sciences discipline, or equivalent relevant laboratory experience
  • Experience in preparing solid and liquid media.
  • Experience working in sterile laboratory environments and following good laboratory practices.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritise competing tasks.
  • A hands-on approach, with excellent observational skills, patience, and attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Strong documentation, IT, and numerical skills, with experience maintaining accurate laboratory records.
  • A proactive, self-motivated attitude and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
  • 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.

‍

• You'll stand out if you have:
  
  • Experience in plant regeneration, specifically using tissue culture or protoplasts.
  • Experience in sterile techniques without the use of antibiotics.
  • Practical experience of molecular biology including; DNA extractions, PCR, restriction enzymes, molecular markers, sanger sequencing.
  • Experience with CRISPR-Cas systems.
  • Love plants as much as we do and have a green thumb.

‍

• What we offer 
  
  • Competitive salary.
  • Share of the value you create through the Employee Stock Option Plan.
  • Private medical insurance.
  • Great working environment in a multidisciplinary team.
  • A flexible working arrangement: early or late working hours with core hours of 10am-4pm.
  • Possibility of working from home when compiling and analyzing data.
  • Access to a gym & tennis court.
  • Cycle to work scheme.

‍

If you’re looking for a new challenge and enjoy working as part of a small, multidisciplinary team where new ideas are welcomed, then we would love to meet you! And if your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification listed, but you are excited by this role project and believe you could contribute strongly, we still encourage you to apply. 

Your application should consist of a single PDF containing your CV and a cover letter. In your cover letter, please highlight any relevant experience you would bring to this role and why you’d like to join the team.

Location: Harpenden, Greater London commuter area, United Kingdom
Contract: Full-time

Visa: Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
Start Date: As soon as possible

Please apply on the website or send your application to apply@phytoformlabs.com with “Junior Scientist - Tomato Gene Editing” in the subject line.

‍

POTATO TEAM

Focus: GM-free genome editing in potato
Project Overview: Work with our genome engineering specialists to develop and optimise gene-editing tools for crop species. You’ll help test methodologies to create targeted mutations in potato.
Ideal Candidate:

• Interest in molecular biology and biotechnology
• Curiosity about tissue culture regeneration and sterile technique
• Previous wet lab experience recommended

What You’ll Gain: Hands-on training in GM-free genome editing under the UK Precision Breeding Act, plus skills in tissue culture, single-cell isolation, experimental design, and genomic analysis.
Work Environment: Fully lab-based (Rothamsted Research).

‍

TOMATO TEAM

Focus: CRISPR and tissue culture in tomato
Project Overview: Support the development of gene-edited tomato varieties for international markets using our protoplast editing and regeneration pipeline.
Ideal Candidate:

• Interest in CRISPR/gene editing or tissue culture
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping
• Prior sterile technique experience

What You’ll Gain: Direct experience applying CRISPR in plant biotechnology and exposure to commercial variety development.
Work Environment: Fully lab-based (Rothamsted Research).

‍

TOOLS & TRAITS TEAM

Focus: Novel genome editing tools and trait engineering
Project Overview: Join a dynamic team developing new editing technologies and exploring engineering of plant traits. Ideal for molecular or synthetic biology students.
Ideal Candidate:

• Background in molecular/synthetic biology
• Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, or cloning (Gibson/Golden Gate)
• Enthusiastic, creative, and organised

What You’ll Gain: Experience in genome editing design, cloning, record management, and scientific communication. Work at Rothamsted’s vibrant research campus and contribute to projects with real climate impact.
Work Environment: Fully lab-based.

‍

DATA TEAM

Focus: AI models for plant genetics
Project Overview: Support our data science team developing artificial intelligence models that predict genetic outcomes to accelerate crop improvement.
Ideal Candidate:

• Comfortable with coding (Python preferred)
• Analytical mindset and collaborative spirit
• Bioinformatics or statistics experience a plus
  What You’ll Gain: Exposure to AI-driven plant science, experience handling real -omics datasets, and insight into biotech data workflows.
  Work Environment: Fully remote, with optional monthly on-site visits for presentations and team lunches.

Interested?‍

Join Phytoform Labs for an innovative, hands-on PIPS placement at the intersection of biology, technology, and sustainability.

To learn more, complete the form below or contact us directly at apply@phytoformlabs.com