Plant Genome Engineer in Harpenden - Phytoform

Job Description The Company
Phytoform is a UK based company working on improving crop varieties with the help of new breeding technologies and artificial intelligence. We are a multidisciplinary team looking to enhance crop species to be in pair with a sustainable future. We are at a pivotal time in the agri-tech industry where the projects developed today in this sector will define the world of tomorrow. The company has exciting growth plans over the next few years and is looking for a talented plant scientist to join our tomato R&D team and work on genome engineering projects. We are based at the world leading plant science institute Rothamsted Research just outside of London, United Kingdom.
The Role
We are looking for a new member to increase the throughput of our tomato gene-editing pipeline. The genome engineer will use their experience to support the tomato genome engineering team and be working alongside other scientists to develop CRISPR-edited lines of commercially relevant varieties. If you have previously been part of an academic or industry team, but now would like to work in a fast-paced start-up environment to see real world impact first hand then you would be a great fit.

In this role, you will:
●     Contribute to the development of non-transgenic CRISPR tomato varieties
●     Design and validate in vitro and in vivo CRISPR-experiments for tomato
●     Develop transient transfection methods to induce CRISPR mutations using RNPs.
●     Work in a sterile environment and maintain plant tissue cultures.
●     Isolate protoplasts and regenerate whole plants from single cells.
●     Perform a range of molecular tasks such as DNA isolation and cloning.
●     Genotype individuals and populations via PCR and NGS.
●     Phenotype and validate new genome edited traits in crops.
●     Keep a well-organised record of all data and results electronically.
●     Present and discuss your strategies and advancements to your manager and team.

Requirements
●     PhD in Plant Biology or MRes in Plant Biology & 3 years of relevant work experience
●     Experience with culture of plant tissues.
●     Knowledge of gene editing technologies.
●     Experience in the generation of gene editing in crop plants.
●     Excellent problem-solving skills and capabilities to follow and develop protocols.
●     Strong communication and collaboration skills.
●     Track record of application driven research.
●     Goal oriented and with good time management and multitasking capability.
●     Ability to work in a results-driven team.
●     Share our passion for sustainability and vision of a future where genetic engineering plays a key role in improving the resilience of global food systems.

Beneficial but not essential:
●     Experience with CRISPR-driven genome editing in Solanaceae
●     Experience with footprint-free RNP or plasmid-based genome editing.
●     Have previously worked with gene editing of protoplasts.
●     Available to start in July 2024.

What we offer
●     Competitive salary.
●     Share of value you create through Employee Stock Option Plan.
●     Private medical insurance.
●     Great working environment in a multidisciplinary team.
●     A flexible working arrangement: early or late working with core hours of 10am-4pm.
●     Possibility of working from home when compiling and analysing data.
●     Access to a gym & tennis courts.
●     Cycle to work scheme.

If you are looking for a new challenge and like working with a small multidisciplinary team where new ideas are welcome, then we would love to meet you!