Plant Science Research Associate/Scientist in Abingdon

Join to apply for the Plant Science Research Associate/Scientist role at Wild Bioscience. At Wild Bio, we are radically enhancing crops to feed the world sustainably and promote a wilder planet. Our proprietary genetics platform harnesses wild innovations to enhance the world’s most important crops, boosting farm yields and promoting gigaton-scale carbon mitigation strategies.

Wild Bio is a well-funded, fast-paced Oxford University spin-out working from state-of-the-art labs and offices at Milton Park, Oxfordshire. We are looking for a driven and curious Research Associate or Scientist to join us and significantly contribute to delivering the change we believe in.

Our values:

• Curiosity: We fuel our desire to explore the unknown, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and sparking innovation.
• Community: We believe in the strength and support gained through collaboration and inclusion.
• Courage: We face challenges head-on, take calculated risks, and stand up for our beliefs.

If these values resonate with you, we invite you to join our team of passionate scientists and innovators working at the cutting edge of bioscience.

The role:

We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated Research Associate or Scientist to join the Wild Carbon Team. This role will support the translation of Wild innovations from laboratory research to real-world application, contributing to the development of gigaton-scale carbon removal strategies. This is a highly cross-disciplinary position operating at the interface of molecular biology, crop transformation, and trait validation.

Detailed requirements and responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and analyse above- and below-ground crop physiology experiments.
• Conduct, analyse, and optimise enzymatic and biochemical workflows.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and deploy trait constructs.
• Conduct plant genetic transformations and assist with optimisation of protocols.
• Collaborate with the plant care team to support optimal crop development.
• Troubleshoot and optimise trait-testing workflows while maintaining accurate records.
• Contribute to SOPs, databases, technical reports, and presentations.
• Support and mentor colleagues, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Work closely with scientists and agronomists to integrate data and implement improvements.

Knowledge and skills:

• MSc with practical experience, or a PhD in plant biology, plant science, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in analysing plant physiology of non-model species.
• Experience monitoring soil and/or water carbon is a plus.
• Experience conducting, analysing, and optimising enzymatic assays in vitro.
• Hands-on experience in plant genetic transformation, preferably in Brassica crops.
• Strong experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits:

• Group life cover x 4 of base salary
• Pension scheme with a 5% Company contribution
• Private medical insurance including dental and optical
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Regular company socials
• Complimentary refreshments throughout the week
• Team meals including breakfast on a Monday and lunch each Friday
• Training and development opportunities
• Flexible working opportunities

Location: We’re headquartered in Milton Park, Oxfordshire. While we do offer flexible and hybrid working, we believe the relationships forged and the work we do in-person will be crucial for our success. For this reason, we are asking that applicants be able to work on-site at least four days a week. The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.