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- Tasks: Design and optimise genetic constructs for sustainable protein production using innovative plant-based systems.
- Company: Join LeafyColl, a pioneering startup transforming the future of sustainable materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for permanent role, and a chance to make real-world impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of synthetic biology and contribute to groundbreaking innovations.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience with genetic engineering and protein expression.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
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 Dunfermline employer: Leafycoll Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leafycoll Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Synthetic Biologist in Dunfermline
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the synthetic biology and plant biotechnology fields on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those 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. Show them your passion for sustainable materials and how you can contribute to their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! Teamwork and communication are key in a multidisciplinary environment like LeafyColl. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve collaborated with others or solved problems creatively. We want to see how you fit into their innovative culture!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that R&D Scientist role! Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience with gene editing tools and plant-based systems. We’re here to help you make a real-world impact, so let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Synthetic Biologist in Dunfermline
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, so don’t hold back on those details!
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 with non-model plants, as these are key to what we do.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining our innovative 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 experience with genetic construct design or molecular cloning, as these are key areas for the position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of challenges you've faced in previous projects, especially those involving recombinant protein expression or gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9. Demonstrating your ability to troubleshoot and innovate will impress the interviewers.
✨Collaborative Spirit is Key
Since LeafyColl values teamwork, be ready to talk about your experiences working in multidisciplinary teams. Share specific instances where you contributed to a project’s success through collaboration, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about LeafyColl's current projects and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of sustainable materials.