At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the expansion of genome editing technologies and drive innovation in plant science.
- Company: Wild Bio, an exciting Oxford University spin-out focused on sustainable agriculture.
- Benefits: Join a well-funded start-up with state-of-the-art labs and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture driven by curiosity, community, and courage.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food sustainability and environmental health.
- Qualifications: PhD in plant science and hands-on experience with CRISPR and genome editing.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
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 about to enter an exciting phase of growth and are looking for a driven and curious 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. We ask questions, seek answers, and embrace lifelong learning.
- Community: We believe in the strength and support gained through collaboration and inclusion. As part of a global community, we nurture connections to drive meaningful impact for both people and planet.
- Courage: We face challenges head-on, take calculated risks, and stand up for our beliefs. Our bravery propels us to take action, even in the face of adversity.
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 looking for a scientist to lead the expansion of our genome editing technologies. You’ll drive innovation across our editing toolkit, from construct and promoter design to how editing performance interacts with plant transformation, as well as establishing new editing modalities in our target crops. This is a cross-functional R&D role for someone at the forefront of plant genome editing who wants to build the next generation of tools rather than run an established pipeline.
Requirements
- PhD in plant molecular biology, plant genetics, plant science, or a related field.
- A demonstrable track record of developing genome editing technology, not just applying it (e.g. improving editing efficiency or precision, engineering new editor architectures, or establishing a new editing modality in a new system), evidenced by publications or patents.
- Hands-on experience applying CRISPR in plants, including an understanding of how transformation, selection and regeneration systems influence editing outcomes.
- An up-to-date command of the genome editing field, especially in plants, including emerging technologies, the research groups driving them, and the regulatory landscape shaping their application.
- Advanced molecular biology and construct design skills, including multi-component vector assembly and using regulatory elements to optimise editing activity.
- Experience designing and interpreting NGS-based editing readouts, such as amplicon sequencing.
- A rigorous approach to experimental design, and the judgement to make evidence-based go/no-go calls on new technologies.
- Evidence of driving innovation: generating original ideas and leading ambitious projects where the path isn’t mapped out.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner effectively with transformation, tissue culture, molecular and computational colleagues, as well as external collaborators.
- Direct experience establishing base editing, prime editing, or HDR (homology-directed repair) in a plant system is highly desirable.
Genome Editing Scientist employer: Wild Bioscience
Wild Bioscience is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, perfect for those passionate about advancing agricultural science. Located near Bury St Edmunds, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth through hands-on experience in cutting-edge breeding techniques and partnerships with leading research institutions. With a focus on meaningful contributions to sustainable agriculture, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact while working alongside a dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Genome Editing Scientist
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Wild Bioscience. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Wild Bioscience!
We think you need these skills to ace Genome Editing Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Wild Bioscience that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Wild Bioscience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Wild Bioscience does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Bioscience
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Wild Bioscience. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Wild Bioscience's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Wild Bioscience. This shows your passion for the industry!
