At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project testing AI-designed promoters in plants for climate resilience.
- Company: Earlham Institute, a leader in engineering biology and synthetic research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive research environment.
- Other info: Engage with a diverse team and access advanced training in a dynamic research setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable agriculture and combat climate change with innovative science.
- Qualifications: Background in molecular biology or plant science; passion for research and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 24455 - 25455 £ per year.
Main Purpose of the Job
Climate change is outpacing our ability to breed crops that can withstand rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and other environmental stresses. Synthetic biology offers a powerful way to meet this challenge by engineering plants with climate-resilient traits. However, progress is limited by the small number of reliable promoters that allow scientists to control when, where, and how strongly genes are switched on in plants. Predictive AI models can now help design promoters with specific expression properties, but testing whether these designs work in living plants remains slow and difficult. This project will address that bottleneck by using a new system to test AI-designed promoters in whole plants at greater scale and in a more controlled and predictable way. By combining AI-guided design with hands-on plant synthetic biology, the project will help build a platform for creating reliable genetic tools and accelerating the engineering of climate-resilient crops.
Key Relationships
The post-holder will be embedded within the engineering biology faculty at the Earlham Institute, including the labs of Prof. Anthony Hall and Dr Sarah Guiziou, working with team members, as well as across other faculty groups as appropriate for the project and skills development. Career Development Fellow Dr Will Shaw will be the primary supervisor for the project, guiding the project and teaching experimental techniques across molecular biology and plant science. They will also interact with other engineering biology researchers, including the Earlham Institute Biofoundry, attend weekly plant engineering biology and plant genomics meetings, and a monthly journal club. The post-holder will work closely with the JIF PhD cohort.
Main Activities
Our Advanced Training team provides access to specialised scientific training to upskill the next generation of research and technical staff. Our collegiate and innovative research environment comes with significant support, including a commitment to your professional development, research and administrative assistance, and opportunities to build collaborations with scientists and industry on the Norwich Research Park, across the UK, and internationally. The Institute is also home to talented technical and operational staff, whose invaluable contributions enable our science to have the maximum impact. We aim to recognise, reward, and develop all staff and students so that every individual feels able to achieve their best with us. We work hard to nurture an engaged and positive workplace, centred on core values that include openness, technical excellence, and collaboration. We attract staff from around the world who contribute to - and benefit from - an environment that enables them to deliver world-class science alongside a supportive and social community.
The Predoctoral Intern will join the Engineering Biology group at the Earlham Institute, with primary supervision from Career Development Fellow Dr Will Shaw and working closely with the groups of Prof. Anthony Hall and Dr Sarah Guiziou. The intern will contribute to Earlham Institute’s strengths in AI/ML and engineering biology by helping to develop new workflows that bring these approaches together for more predictable plant engineering.
Salary on appointment will be within the range £24,455 to £25,000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 12 months. A small travel grant will be provided for any non-UK interns (to the value of £1000) to enable them to travel to the UK. Any costs above this will need to be funded by the Intern, including any visa costs. Interviews will be held on the 19th August 2026. The preferred start date will be between September and October 2026.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. The closing date for applications will be 10th August 2026.
Predoctoral Internship in Plant Synthetic Biology in Norfolk employer: The Earlham Institute
The Earlham Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Norwich where innovation meets collaboration. As a Senior Full-Stack Engineer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that impact biodiversity research while enjoying a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With access to cutting-edge technology and a commitment to work-life balance, you'll find a rewarding career path that encourages both personal and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Predoctoral Internship in Plant Synthetic Biology in Norfolk
✨Get Your Foot in the Lab Door
Look for internship programmes specifically set up for life sciences or biotechnology students. Many companies, including The Earlham Institute, offer structured pathways for interns, so check their careers page or your university's career services to snag those early opportunities.
✨Connect with Researchers and Alumni
Tap into biotechnology-focused online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or local biotech meetups. Networking with seasoned professionals or alumni from your university can give you an inside track on internships that may not be widely advertised. A little conversation can go a long way!
✨Get Involved in Research Projects
If you haven’t already, volunteer for or participate in research projects at your university. This hands-on experience not only builds your CV but also helps you make connections with faculty who can recommend you or point you to internship opportunities at companies like The Earlham Institute.
✨Keep Your Application Needs in Mind
When you're ready to apply, make sure your online portfolio reflects relevant projects and any lab techniques you’re familiar with. Showcasing your understanding of biotechnology, particularly what relates to the work done at The Earlham Institute, can help you stand out from the heap of applicants!
We think you need these skills to ace Predoctoral Internship in Plant Synthetic Biology in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lab Skills:For a biotech internship, showcasing any relevant lab skills is crucial. If you've worked with lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or CRISPR, make sure these stand out in your CV. We want to see that you have hands-on experience and can contribute from day one.
Share Your Academic Projects:Don't forget to mention any academic projects related to biotechnology. If you've conducted research or completed projects that involved analysis or experimentation, highlight these in your cover letter. It shows us your practical understanding of biotech concepts and your motivation to learn more.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, focus on your passion for biotechnology and your eagerness to learn. Use this space to explain why you want to intern with The Earlham Institute specifically and how this experience aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Include Relevant Coursework:Make sure to list any relevant coursework on your CV. Classes like Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Bioinformatics can really make you stand out. We want to see that you've got the foundational knowledge, as it helps us gauge how easily you'll adapt to our projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Earlham Institute
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
As we're diving into the biotechnology world, it's essential to refresh your knowledge on commonly used lab techniques. Be prepared to discuss methods like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and CRISPR. They might even ask you to explain the principles behind them or how you've used them in your studies!
✨Show Your Passion for Bioscience
Internships are all about eagerness to learn and grow, so let your enthusiasm for biotechnology shine through! Share any relevant projects, coursework, or volunteer experiences that showcase your motivation and dedication to the field. This will show The Earlham Institute that you're not just looking for any gig, but you're genuinely excited about contributing to their research.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a biotech internship interview, be ready for scenarios that test your problem-solving skills. For example, how would you handle a contamination issue in an experiment? Practising these types of questions will help you demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability, which are key traits for any budding biotechnologist.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Biotechnology often involves collaboration, so emphasising your ability to work in a team is crucial. Think about group projects or lab work where you collaborated with peers. Sharing these experiences will show The Earlham Institute that you're not only a great individual contributor but also a team player, ready to thrive in their collaborative environment.
