Senior Plant Scientist

Key role in a small team looking to transform food production through plant-based protein discovery and development! KEY SKILLS / EXPERIENCE: Ideally PhD qualified (or equivalent) in a relevant topic such as Biology, Plant Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or similar. Demonstrable experience (2+ years) post degree / PhD in a Plant Sciences role – this could be in industry or in research / post-doc posts. Strong expertise in Plant Tissue Culture and genetic engineering technologies & techniques. Exposure to non-model crop types. Prior experience in Plant Transformation would be desirable; however, this knowledge could be further developed in the job for candidates matching the above criteria and with experience in the likes of in vitro plant micropropagation, regeneration, organogenesis. The ability to combine hands on science at the bench with undertaking people and project leadership activities. ROLE SUMMARY: This well-backed start-up is on a mission to harness the power of plants to produce new and specialty proteins and ingredients, ultimately with the mission of reducing our reliance on animals and contributing to a more sustainable and productive food system. The key purpose of this Senior Scientist role is, while playing a lead / mentoring role to more junior scientists and technicians, to design and execute experiments geared towards optimising plant regeneration and transformation processes. Furthermore, the ability to look at the bigger picture and think strategically will also be required – combining the pressures of meeting commercial deadlines with longer term thinking. Candidates will therefore need to possess a significant level of experience working in the Plant Sciences at in vitro level – likely a number of years’ post PhD / Degree experience (as per above, this could be in industry or in post-doc posts). Plant Transformation expertise would be ideal however, knowing that this is a fairly niche area, candidates without this but with relevant experience in the likes of Plant Tissue Culture, Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering are also encouraged to apply! Candidates will also ideally have some exposure to non-model crop types – this business are in some cases working with crops that have never undergone bioengineering or transformation before! If all of the above sounds like you, and you’d relish the opportunity to undertake a genuinely impactful role in an AgriFood / Sustainability science start-up, please get in touch ASAP!