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- 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.
- 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, innovative 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 a 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 North East employer: Leafycoll Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leafycoll Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Synthetic Biologist in North East
✨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
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects, research, and any relevant experience. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise in genetic construct design and molecular cloning. We love seeing creativity and passion in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of CRISPR-Cas9 and recombinant protein expression systems. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends. Confidence is key, so let your passion for sustainable materials shine through!
✨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’re always looking for candidates who are as excited about innovation in plant-based systems as we are. So, get your application in and let’s make an impact together!
We think you need these skills to ace Synthetic Biologist in North East
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 how they connect to our mission at LeafyColl. We want to know what drives you!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. Use keywords from the listing, especially around genetic construct design and recombinant protein expression, to catch our eye.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Explain why you're excited about this role and how your background in molecular biology or plant biotechnology makes you a perfect fit for our team.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our LeafyColl family!
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 Plants
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for using plants in innovative ways. Share examples of how you've engaged with non-model plants or crops in your previous work. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the potential of plant-based systems.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression and molecular cloning. Be prepared to explain your approach to developing and testing expression systems, and how you optimise yield and functionality in your experiments.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Since LeafyColl values teamwork, be ready to discuss how you've worked collaboratively in past projects. Share examples of how you contributed to a multidisciplinary team and how you handle fast-paced, innovation-driven environments.