Associate Scientist in Oxford

Moa Technology is an innovative and rapidly growing crop protection R&D company.

Our mission is to create a new generation of safe, effective and affordable herbicides to help farmers produce high quality food for all.

Our team of passionate and talented scientists, technicians, and operational staff uses disruptive proprietary technologies to quickly and accurately discover novel modes of action capable of breaking weed resistance to herbicides.

At the heart of our company are the Moa values which guide our work and our behaviour: determined, empowering and transformative.

The role

This is a full time role at Associate Scientist level in our TARGET team, based in the Oxford Science Park.

The TARGET platform is one of Moa's proprietary technologies, using a high-throughput genetic screen to elucidate the modes of action of hit compounds via identification of resistance mutations.

As an Associate Scientist, you will execute biological assays within TARGET's pipeline to contribute towards the collaborative elucidation of modes of action for hit compounds.

Your work will help to identify genes and/or genetic pathways associated with plants' response to novel herbicides whilst working closely with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, with the aim of diversifying the toolset farmers have available to tackle weeds.

The position provides an exciting opportunity to apply plant biology assays in a stimulating modern laboratory environment, to support and accelerate both target identification and validation work.

Key responsibilities

• Directly contribute to our discovery activities and ensure delivery of company and department objectives in a timely and efficient manner.
• Conduct plant science/molecular biology experiments to identify novel targets and new biological mechanisms with the potential to develop into herbicides with novel modes of action.
• Contribute to the collective goals of an inter-disciplinary project team, representing TARGET in scientific discussions and work-planning.

To explore the potential of candidate molecules as part of this team.

• Be responsible for generating and managing plant lines in vitro.
• Deliver experiments testing novel herbicides in 'omics assays.
• Have the flexibility and ability to manage several experiments simultaneously and to meet key deadlines, as well as a desire to work in a high paced and collaborative team environment.
• Effectively record and communicate experimental results to the rest of the TARGET team, and to your project team.
• Bring enthusiasm and creativity to problem-solving and optimisation discussions, improving the performance of the team and our company.
• Knowledge and experience
• BSc degree in Plant Sciences, Biology, Agronomy, Biotechnology or Biochemistry.
• A demonstrable interest in plant biology.
• Capacity to learn new skills and willingness to take on responsibilities within and beyond the core function.
• Detail-oriented and results-driven individual with experience in a laboratory environment.
• Strong IT skills, including spreadsheet-based data management.
• Relevant experience with plant science/molecular biology/biochemistry/genetics preferred. Masters' qualification and/or industry experience desirable.
• Experience working effectively in a team to deliver on measurable objectives.
• Good knowledge of lab health and safety rules.
• Personal attributes and competencies
• A proactive work ethic and enthusiasm for learning.
• A practical problem solver with creativity.
• Honesty, openness and co-operation.
• You can -
• Work autonomously and proactively in a dynamic team and with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Actively listen and effectively communicate on complex scientific topics.
• Meet deadlines, demonstrating awareness of realistic time requirements for yourself and the team.
• Raise concerns and imagine solutions - innovate practical solutions to hard problems.
• Have the courage to question actions incompatible with our collective values.
• Communicate and collaborate to foster positive relationships.
• Evolve with the changing needs of the business on a rapid growth trajectory.
• Adhere to company ethics, work hours, policies, and standard business etiquette.

What we offer

• Electric vehicle scheme
• Workplace pension scheme where the company will match up to 7.5%.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Training and Development
• Group Life, Income Protection, and Private Medical Insurance
• 25 days Annual leave
• Additional Annual leave purchase scheme
• Bike2Work Scheme

We are committed to building a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.

We recognise that diverse and inclusive teams build a stronger and more innovative company.

Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion/belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital or maternity status, or veteran status.

Due to the high level of candidates that we receive, we are only able to only contact successful applicants for the interview stage.

Please note that you must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor work permits at this time.

Work permits from other organisations are not acceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.