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- Tasks: Design and optimise genetic constructs for sustainable protein production using innovative plant-based systems.
- Company: Join LeafyColl, a fast-growing startup revolutionising plant biotechnology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for permanent role, and a chance to make a real-world impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of sustainable innovation in synthetic biology and plant sciences.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience with genetic engineering and protein expression.
- Other info: Collaborate with a dynamic team in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.
The predicted salary is between 34598 - 37067 £ per year.
Are you passionate about Plant Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology and the future of sustainable materials? Do you want to use your scientific expertise to make real-world impact? We have an immediate opening for an R&D Scientist in Synthetic Biology / Plant Sciences.
Location: Edinburgh, UK
Full-Time (12-month contract, potential to extend to permanent)
Salary: £34,598-£37,067
About LeafyColl
The LeafyColl team is driven by the potential of plants to transform the production of structural proteins. We are a fast-growing engineering biology startup, developing a next-generation platform to produce bioidentical proteins such as collagen using plant-based systems. LeafyColl is building a scalable and sustainable alternative to animal-derived collagen, with applications across cosmetics, food, and biomaterials. Working with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and commercial experts, we are rapidly developing a first-of-its-kind protein manufacturing platform.
Whom are we looking for:
We are seeking people driven by excellence, with a strong interest in using their passion for science and plants to create innovations with real-world impact. You will be engaging with pioneering work, building and optimising biological systems to enable recombinant protein expression using synthetic biology tools across plant and microbial systems.
Qualifications:
- PhD in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related discipline
- Experience in genetic construct design and molecular cloning
- Experience in recombinant protein expression (E. coli, algae, or plants)
- Experience with gene editing tools (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9)
- Experience in working on non-model plants or crops
- Experience with plant-based expression systems (transient or stable)
Key accountabilities:
- Design and optimise genetic constructs for protein expression
- Develop and test recombinant protein expression systems (e.g., collagen)
- Perform molecular cloning, plasmid assembly, and validation
- Conduct transient expression and plant-based assays
- Generate and characterise stable plant lines
- Analyse protein expression and optimise yield and functionality
- Contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and reporting
- Work collaboratively in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment
Synthetic Biologist in Dalkeith employer: Leafycoll Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leafycoll Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Synthetic Biologist in Dalkeith
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the synthetic biology and plant biotechnology fields on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to get your name out there and show your passion.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and being ready to discuss your past projects. We recommend practising common interview questions related to molecular cloning and protein expression to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio! If you’ve worked on any relevant projects, create a digital portfolio that highlights your experience with gene editing tools and recombinant protein expression. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Synthetic Biologist in Dalkeith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for Plant Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how your scientific expertise aligns with our mission to create sustainable materials.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in genetic construct design and recombinant protein expression. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with the role we're offering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for LeafyColl. Be sure to mention your experience with gene editing tools and any work you've done with non-model plants or crops.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leafycoll Ltd
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your knowledge of synthetic biology and plant biotechnology. Be ready to discuss your PhD research and how it relates to the role. Highlight any specific projects where you designed genetic constructs or worked with gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9.
✨Show Your Passion for Innovation
LeafyColl is all about real-world impact through innovation. Share examples of how you've contributed to projects that aimed to solve practical problems using your scientific expertise. This will show them you're not just knowledgeable, but also driven by a desire to make a difference.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about recombinant protein expression and molecular cloning techniques. Brush up on your experience with E. coli, algae, or plant systems. Being able to explain your methods and results clearly will demonstrate your technical competence.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Since you'll be working in a multidisciplinary team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you worked with scientists, engineers, or commercial experts to achieve a common goal. This will show that you can thrive in their fast-paced environment.