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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 plant biotechnology for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for permanent role, and a chance to make a real-world impact.
- Other info: Collaborative, fast-paced environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of synthetic biology and contribute to groundbreaking innovations in sustainability.
- 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 Townhill employer: Leafycoll Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leafycoll Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Synthetic Biologist in Townhill
✨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 soft skills. Practice common interview questions related to synthetic biology and think of examples from your experience that showcase your problem-solving abilities. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for sustainable materials and plant biotechnology during interviews. Share your thoughts on current trends and innovations in the field. We love candidates who can demonstrate their enthusiasm and vision for the future of the industry!
✨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 talent that aligns with our mission at LeafyColl, so make sure you get your name in the mix!
We think you need these skills to ace Synthetic Biologist in Townhill
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 at LeafyColl to create sustainable materials.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience 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 this role. Be sure to mention your experience with gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 and any work you've done with non-model plants or crops. Make it personal and engaging!
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 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. Prepare to explain complex concepts in simple terms, as this shows your depth of understanding and ability to communicate effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your hands-on experience with genetic construct design and molecular cloning. Bring specific examples of projects where you successfully used gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9. This will demonstrate your practical skills and how they can contribute to LeafyColl's innovative goals.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of challenges you've faced in previous projects, particularly in recombinant protein expression or working with non-model plants. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
LeafyColl is a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. Research their company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Show enthusiasm for their mission to create sustainable alternatives and express your passion for making a real-world impact.