Help us make agriculture more sustainable

What You’ll Do

• Work with the Lead R&D Scientist and Junior Scientist to improve HDR genome editing technology
• Design, deploy and perform amplicon-based NGS workflows to detect rare genome edits 
• Prepare high-quality NGS libraries (Illumina-based)
• Extract DNA from plant samples and perform PCR-based preparation 
• Develop analysis pipelines using tools like Nextflow, Python, Git, and Bash
• Troubleshoot both wet lab and data analysis steps — from sample to result
• Train others in your workflows and help scale our internal platform
• Collaborate closely with the genome engineering teams
• Present your findings and strategic improvements to leadership
  
  

Who We’re Looking For

• PhD, or MSc + 4+ years of experience in genomics, molecular biology, or biotechnology
• A self-starter with proven hands-on experience in:
  
  • Amplicon sequencing (NGS)
  • Library preparation and sequencing using Illumina platforms (MiSeq, NextSeq, etc.)
  • Command-line tools for NGS data processing (Python, Bash, Git, Nextflow)
  • Precise genome editing via HDR, base editing, prime editing or similar 
• Solid understanding of CRISPR editing workflows and variant detection
• Strong problem-solving mindset with a track record of troubleshooting complex workflows
• A team player who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment

Beneficial Experience

• Experience with:
  
  
  
  • Genome editing detection pipelines
  • Other NGS technologies such as Oxford Nanopore
  • CRISPR/Cas systems in plant or non-plant models
  • RNP or plasmid-based cell transfection
  • High-throughput lab techniques (e.g. FACS, high-throughput PCR or imaging)
  • Lab automation for tasks such as NGS library prep or DNA extraction

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 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’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!

Application instructions

To apply, please submit a CV highlighting relevant experience and a cover letter (max 1 page) addressing your fit for the role and motivation to join the project in a single PDF file to apply@phytoformlabs.com stating “Scientist – Genomics Platform Development” in the title. 

Alternatively, apply through the Phytoform careers page https://www.phytoformlabs.com/careers. 

Location: Harpenden, London, United KingdomContract: 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

Interviews: Rolling basis 

Salary: compensation will be based on experience and qualifications + Stock Options

We really value attention to detail and creativity. To show you’ve carefully read this advert and understand our focus, please weave the word ‘strawberry’ naturally into one sentence of your cover letter—ideally where you discuss relevant experience or skills.

This job is part of an Advanced Research + Innovation Agency - funded project, subject to contract negotiations

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The Role

As a Research Scientist (a Senior Research Scientist position can be considered based on applicant’s experience), you will be testing and delivering artificial chromosomes to plant cells, monitoring and validating chromosome components, and thus contributing directly to the development of a plant artificial chromosome, one of the most significant advancements in plant synthetic biology. You will collaborate closely with academic leaders in synthetic biology and epigenetics while working in an industrial setting. 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'll 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).
• Detect DNA molecules (i.e. using cytogenetics, fluorescence markers, and DNA sequencing) in plant cells for confirmation of delivery and stability of artificial chromosomes.
• Maintain accurate, high-quality experimental records and contribute to project reporting (e.g., consortium reports, patent drafting, research paper preparation).

Desired Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Plant Genetics, or a closely related field.
• Practical experience in plant cytogenetics and microscopy (such as karyotyping, fluorescent tag engineering and detection, FISH, GISH, chromosome painting).
• Expertise in molecular cloning, DNA assembly techniques, and genomic analyses.
• Expertise with plant protoplast transformation and protoplast fusion.
• 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.

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Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary plus the following benefits:
  
  • Share of the value you create through our Employee Stock Option Plan
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Dynamic and supportive working environment in a multidisciplinary team
  • Flexible working hours: early or late working with core hours of 10am-4pm 
  • Possibility of working from home when compiling and analysing data
  • Access to gym, tennis courts, and cycle to work scheme
• Be part of a world-first ARIA-funded effort to build a synthetic chromosome, a pioneering scientific challenge with the potential to transform agriculture and global food security.
• Work in a fast-paced, innovation-driven biotech start-up with strong academic and commercial partnerships.
• Access advanced synthetic biology platforms and collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams.

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Application Instructions

If you’re looking for a new challenge and want to become an ARIA Creator, playing a central role in a bold scientific endeavour with global relevance, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit a 1-page cover letter explaining your fit for the role and motivation to join the project, along with your CV:
apply@phytoformlabs.com
Subject: “Research Scientist”
Or apply directly via: https://www.phytoformlabs.com/careers

We would be grateful if you could let us know how you heard about this opportunity (e.g. LinkedIn, company website, referral) when applying.

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