At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative plant science projects and mentor a dynamic team of scientists.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge biotech firm focused on sustainable crop protection.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting chance to work with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agricultural science and shape the future of herbicides.
- Qualifications: PhD in biology with strong leadership and mentoring skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 78000 £ per year.
A Biology Lead opportunity has opened up at an innovative agricultural biotech company operating at the forefront of sustainable crop protection science. This is a rare chance to step into a senior scientific leadership position where your expertise will directly shape the direction of a growing discovery biology function.
The Role
The Biology Lead will serve as the senior scientific authority within the discovery function, providing expert guidance across biological platforms, assay development, experimental design and data-driven decision-making. You will work closely with chemistry, project management and technical operations colleagues to ensure that biological insight is fully embedded in candidate progression and portfolio decisions. A key part of this role is being present and visible within the laboratory, not to oversee every experiment, but to troubleshoot, advise on protocols and help scientists think through challenges in real time. Beyond day-to-day scientific guidance, the Biology Lead will champion rigorous experimental standards and reproducible data practices across the function, lead the uptake of new methodologies and tools, and represent the company professionally in external collaborations and partnerships. You will also coach and develop scientists at all levels, raising the quality of scientific thinking across the team rather than managing headcount.
The Company
This is an opportunity to join an ambitious and growing biotech company based in South East England, focused on discovering novel crop protection solutions. The organisation brings together a multidisciplinary team of scientists working across discovery, chemistry and technical operations to develop sustainable agricultural products. It is a science-first culture that values collaborative working, evidence-based decision-making and the kind of creative rigour that accelerates genuine discovery. The company works with a range of external scientific partners, including academic collaborators, CROs and commercial partners.
What experience does the Biology Lead need?
- PhD-qualified scientist with a strong research background and the ability to apply deep biological expertise to complex discovery challenges.
- Established scientific leader with experience mentoring and influencing multidisciplinary teams, driving technical excellence without necessarily having extensive line management responsibilities.
- Commercial R&D experience, ideally working across collaborative research programmes, external partnerships and cross-functional project teams.
- Hands-on and scientifically curious, with a passion for staying close to the science and supporting experimental problem-solving.
- Experience in plant science, crop protection or related life sciences is advantageous, but exceptional candidates from biotech or pharmaceutical discovery who are keen to transition into the sector will also be considered.
- Excellent communicator who can translate complex scientific concepts into clear recommendations and influence stakeholders across technical and leadership teams.
So What's Next? If you are a Biology Lead and would like to learn more, please apply below and I will be in touch with you shortly to discuss the role further.
Biology Lead, Plant Science, Discovery Research, R&D Mentorship employer: Corriculo Ltd
Join a pioneering engineering company in Gloucestershire that is at the forefront of developing advanced drilling technologies for the energy sector. With a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration, employees benefit from a dynamic work culture that fosters professional growth and offers opportunities to tackle technically challenging projects alongside a highly skilled team. The company prioritises employee development and provides a supportive environment where your expertise in electronics engineering can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Biology Lead, Plant Science, Discovery Research, R&D Mentorship
✨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 Corriculo Ltd. 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 Corriculo Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Biology Lead, Plant Science, Discovery Research, R&D Mentorship
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 Corriculo Ltd 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 Corriculo Ltd.
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 Corriculo Ltd 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 Corriculo Ltd
✨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 Corriculo Ltd. 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 Corriculo Ltd'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 Corriculo Ltd. This shows your passion for the industry!
