At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead crop transformation and genome editing methods to enhance agricultural traits.
- Company: Biographica, a pioneering company in crop biotechnology with a collaborative team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, 25 days leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team dedicated to innovative solutions in crop science.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact on agriculture while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: BSc or PhD in Plant Biology or related field; hands-on experience in crop transformation.
The predicted salary is between 44595 - 54505 £ per year.
About Us
Biographica generates the biological assets behind better crops. We find the causal, editable gene targets for a crop trait, design the edits that move it, and partner with seed companies to take them to the field. Improving a trait takes years, and most candidate targets never validate. Seed companies rarely lack predictions - what's scarce is a target that holds up in their germplasm, and every failed cycle costs a breeding season that money can't buy back. So we build models that respect the structure of biology rather than proxies for it, with interpretable evidence behind every ranking. Fewer targets to validate at a higher hit rate. We partner with leading seed companies including BASF Nunhems, are advancing our first in-house licensable trait programmes, raised a £7M seed round, and are on the way to Series A. We're a team of 17: machine learning engineers, data engineers, bioinformaticians and experimental scientists. This role is based at our lab at Rothamsted in Harpenden.
What we're looking for
As part of the Science team, you will lead on development, optimisation and application of crop transformation and genome editing methods, which involve plant tissue culture or are tissue culture free. Your first priorities will be:
- Designing (or assisting with design of) experiments for gene target validation in planta
- Setting up and optimising transformation/genome editing methodologies in crops, which are part of Biographica's portfolio
Core responsibilities
- Establish, optimise and perform genetic transformation and genome editing in crops of interest to Biographica
- Perform molecular genotyping of transgenic/genome edited lines
- Design and assemble DNA constructs for genetic transformation/genome editing
- Prepare media for plant tissue culture and in planta transformation/genome editing experiments
- Document protocols and experimental results in an ELN
Additional Responsibilities
- Communicate experimental results to the Science team and the wider company
- Communicate with Rothamsted horticultural services regarding plant growth space, standing orders for plant material etc.
- Order lab consumables
Core competencies
- Extensive hands-on experience with crop transformation in tissue culture
- Experience with high-throughput molecular analysis of transgenic/genome edited plants
- Proficient in DNA vector design and assembly (molecular cloning) for application in plant transformation
- Great attention to detail
- Ability to document results in a detailed and clear way in an ELN
- High competence in compiling written reports and communicating findings across disciplines (e.g. via PowerPoint presentations); we are a machine learning-first company with a team of machine learning engineers, data engineers, computational biologists and bioinformaticians and we all have to find a common language to work on our shared goal of rapid and accurate gene discovery for agricultural traits
- Full professional proficiency in English
Nice to have competencies
- Experience with applying the genome editing technology in plants
- Experience with transient assays in plants (Agrobacterium-mediated gene expression, VIGS)
- Familiarity with the Benchling ELN
- Experience with NGS work (Illumina, ONT or PacBio)
Education Qualifications
BSc or PhD in Plant Biology, Plant Biotechnology or a related discipline (appointment level will reflect education qualification and experience)
Benefits
- Competitive salary & equity options
- 25 days annual leave
- Benefits package
- Career development opportunities as the company scales
- Ownership of ambitious, mission-driven work with real-world impact
- Vibrant, innovative & supportive work environment with a committed team
- Access to conferences, events & professional development resources
Crop Transformation Scientist employer: Biographica
Biographica is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets opportunity. As a Head of Operations, you will enjoy significant autonomy and decision-making authority while contributing to cutting-edge AI solutions in agriculture and biotechnology. The company fosters a culture of growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and a competitive benefits package that supports your well-being and career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Crop Transformation Scientist
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Biographica. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Biographica!
We think you need these skills to ace Crop Transformation Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Biographica that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Biographica.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Biographica does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Biographica
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Biographica. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Biographica's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Biographica. This shows your passion for the industry!
