Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise genetic constructs for sustainable protein production using innovative plant biotechnology.
- Company: Join LeafyColl, a fast-growing startup revolutionising plant-based protein manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for permanent role, and a chance to make a real-world impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and pioneering research.
- 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.
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 Howden employer: Leafycoll Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leafycoll Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Synthetic Biologist in Howden
✨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 at LeafyColl. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Synthetic Biologist in Howden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for plant biotechnology and synthetic biology right from the start. Share your experiences and what drives you to make a real-world impact in your application.
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 skills align with our mission at LeafyColl!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your expertise in molecular cloning and gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining 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 at LeafyColl. They’ll want to see your passion for using science to create real-world impact.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples of your experience with genetic construct design, molecular cloning, and recombinant protein expression. Highlight any work you've done with CRISPR-Cas9 or non-model plants, as these are key areas for the position.
✨Collaborative Mindset
LeafyColl values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked in multidisciplinary teams before. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to collaborative projects and how you handle challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about LeafyColl’s projects and future directions. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of sustainable materials.