As a Research Scientist (or Junior Research Scientist), you will be testing and delivering large DNA molecules (artificial chromosomes) to plant cells, and monitoring and validating chromosome components, thus contributing directly to the development of a plant artificial chromosome. You will collaborate closely with other team members at Phytoform and also academic leaders in synthetic biology and 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 then you would be a great fit.
What you will do:
- Develop and optimize delivery strategies of synthetic chromosomes into plant cells, through protoplast transformation and protoplast fusion.
- Delivery of artificial chromosomes to plant cells for validation of chromosome components (e.g., centromeres, telomeres, and origin of replication elements) using fluorescence microscopy.
- Collaborate on the development of new potato product lines through gene editing and tissue culture regeneration.
- Maintain accurate, high-quality experimental records and contribute to project reporting (e.g., consortium reports, patent drafting, research paper preparation).
What will you bring:
- PhD or MSc with 2+years experience in Molecular Biology, Plant Genetics, or a closely related field (essential)
- Expertise in molecular cloning, and genomic analyses (PCR, DNA extraction, etc…) (essential).
- Proof of independently developing or optimising a novel molecular biology method (essential).
- Strong organisational, communication, and team-working skills (essential).
- Experience with tissue culture and working in a sterile environment with GLP (desirable).
- Expertise with plant protoplast isolation, transformation, and fusion (desirable).
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary and share options through our Employee Stock Option Plan
- Private Medical Insurance
- Flexible working hours (core hours 10am-4pm) and opportunities for hybrid working
- Access to gym, tennis courts, and cycle to work scheme
- A dynamic and supportive multidisciplinary team in a start-up environment
- Be part of a world-first, ARIA-funded initiative to build a synthetic chromosome — a pioneering challenge with potential to transform agriculture and global food security
Location: Harpenden, London, United Kingdom
Contract: Full-time, initial 3-year fixed-term (renewable based on milestones and funding)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Application Deadline: 10 October 2025. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Shortlisting and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before the deadline.
Salary: Based on experience + stock options
Funding: This role is supported by the UK Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). Visa: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract.
Interested?
If you’re excited to become an ARIA Creator, and play a central role in a bold scientific endeavour with global relevance, we’d love to hear from you!
To apply, please send:
- A one-page cover letter outlining your fit and motivation
- Your CV
to apply@phytoformlabs.com with the subject line: Research Scientist 092025
Or apply directly via: phytoformlabs.com/careers
More about the project
Our team of scientists has been awarded an R&D grant from the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) under its Synthetic Plants program, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Cambridge, the University of Western Australia, and Macquarie University. The consortium has been awarded a £6 million grant to construct the world’s first synthetic plant chromosome; a groundbreaking milestone in plant synthetic biology with far-reaching implications for global agriculture. Learn more about this project “From Prototype to Production: Implementing synthetic chromosome technology in crops” and the overall ARIA programme here: ARIA Synthetic Plants Programme
At Phytoform, this landmark project directly supports our mission to unlock technologies that accelerate crop development and equip plants with new, beneficial traits, such as improved drought tolerance or nitrogen-fixing capabilities, thus reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint and enhancing resilience in a changing climate.
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