Help us make agriculture more sustainable

^{What You’ll Do}

• Design and execute experiments to advance plant genome engineering technologies. 
• Establish novel methods for detecting and distinguishing nuclear genetic material (e.g. cytology, live-cell imaging, or in vitro alternatives). 
• Develop and optimise delivery systems for introducing genetic material into plant cells (e.g. protoplast fusion, PEG-mediated transformation). 
• Contribute to an innovative R&D programme with high scientific autonomy and opportunity for professional development. 

^{Role Requirements}

• PhD in synthetic, cellular, or molecular biology, or related field.  MSc with 3+ years of relevant research experience can also be considered. 
• Proven ability to solve complex problems in cell and molecular biology with rapid iteration.
• Demonstrated experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting experimental protocols independently.
• Clear evidence of experience in fluorescence imaging and analysis.
• Ability to deliver high-quality results within defined project timelines. Thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.
• Clear and effective scientific communication (written and verbal). 
• Meticulous experimental documentation and record keeping. 
• Enthusiasm for learning and applying new techniques.

^{Beneficial Experience}

• Working with multiple species, ideally moss (Physcomitrium patens), potato or tomato.
• Automated image analysis using tools such as ImageJ macros and CellProfiler workflows.
• Live-cell CRISPR-based imaging approaches (e.g. dCas9, dCas13, SunTag), alongside other nuclear detection methods such as immunostaining, FISH, and GISH 
• Plasmid design software (geneious, benchling, snapgene) and molecular cloning methods (gateway, goldengate, gibson).
• Hands on experience working with plant tissue culture, ideally protoplast systems.
• Protoplast transformation PEG-mediated using plasmids and other protoplast genetic manipulation methods such as cell fusion.
• Use of an electronic lab notebook software for record keeping, shared cloud space, and time-management tools.

^{What we offer}

• Competitive salary
• Share of the value you create through Employee Stock Option Plan
• Opportunity to contribute to scientific publications and IP
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Participation in ARIA programme meetings and research events
• Flexible working arrangements, including the possibility of working from home when analysing data and preparing reports
• Private Medical Insurance
• Collaborative multidisciplinary working environment
• Access to a gym, tennis courts, social clubs, and the cycle to work scheme

If you’re looking for a new challenge and enjoy working as part of a small, multidisciplinary team where new ideas are welcomed, then we would love to meet you! And if your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification listed, but you are excited by the project and believe you could contribute strongly, we still encourage you to apply. 

Your application should consist of a single PDF containing your CV and a cover letter. In your cover letter, please include the description of a technology, method, workflow, or system that you personally developed, implemented, or significantly improved in a previous role. We are particularly interested in understanding the problem you were solving and your specific contribution.

Location: Harpenden, Greater London commuter area, United Kingdom
Contract: Full-time, 2-year fixed-term (renewable based on milestones and funding)
Visa: Please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Start Date: As soon as possible

This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency funded project.

Please apply directly here on the website or send your application to apply@phytoformlabs.com with “Research Scientist Q2-2026” in the subject line.

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What You’ll Do

• Develop and improve CRISPR-mediated HDR methods to diversify edits in plants.
• Keep current with state-of-the-art precision editing in the literature and use this to build practical solutions for higher plant HDR improvement
• Work with RNPs and plasmids from different crops and cell types
• Utilise and improve NGS and fluorescence-based methods for assessing genome editing efficiency 
• Perform a range of molecular tasks such as DNA/RNA isolation and transient transfection.
• Keep a well-organised record of all data and results electronically.
• Present and discuss your strategies and advancements to your manager and team.

Essential Requirements

• PhD or MSc + 4 years work experience in a relevant field such as Genomics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or similar
• Experience with iterative optimisation of  genome editing tools (e.g. HDR, prime or base editing, recombinases, etc).
• Strong cloning skills and experience.
• Advanced problem solving within molecular biology with demonstrated success.
• Demonstrated capability to follow and develop protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Track record of application driven research.
• Goal focused and with good time management and excellent record keeping.
• Ability to work in a results-driven, deadline-oriented 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 Experience

• Experience with CRISPR genome editing in plants and crop species.
• Experience with running and/or developing bioinformatic pipelines for NGS analysis.
• Experience working with plant protoplasts.
• Practical experience with high throughput methods, such as FACS, high throughput imaging and multiplex next-generation sequencing methods.

What we offer

• Competitive salary.
• Share of the value you create through the 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.

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Job Type: Fixed term‍

Location: Harpenden, London, United Kingdom‍

Contract: Full-time, 3 years to 31st May 2028 (renewable based on project milestones and funding)

‍Visa status: Visa sponsorship can be considered for this position‍

Start Date: As soon as possible

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Application instructions

To apply, please submit a CV highlighting relevant experience and a cover letter (max 1 page) addressing your fit for the role and motivation to join the project in a single PDF file to apply@phytoformlabs.com stating “Senior Scientist – Plant CRISPR R&D” in the title. 

Alternatively, apply through the Phytoform careers page https://www.phytoformlabs.com/careers. 

We really value attention to detail and creativity. To show you’ve carefully read this advert and understand our focus, please weave the word ‘strawberry’ naturally into one sentence of your cover letter—ideally where you discuss relevant experience or skills.

This job is part of an Advanced Research + Innovation Agency - funded project, subject to contract negotiations

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POTATO TEAM

Focus: GM-free genome editing in potato
Project Overview: Work with our genome engineering specialists to develop and optimise gene-editing tools for crop species. You’ll help test methodologies to create targeted mutations in potato.
Ideal Candidate:

• Interest in molecular biology and biotechnology
• Curiosity about tissue culture regeneration and sterile technique
• Previous wet lab experience recommended

What You’ll Gain: Hands-on training in GM-free genome editing under the UK Precision Breeding Act, plus skills in tissue culture, single-cell isolation, experimental design, and genomic analysis.
Work Environment: Fully lab-based (Rothamsted Research).

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TOMATO TEAM

Focus: CRISPR and tissue culture in tomato
Project Overview: Support the development of gene-edited tomato varieties for international markets using our protoplast editing and regeneration pipeline.
Ideal Candidate:

• Interest in CRISPR/gene editing or tissue culture
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping
• Prior sterile technique experience

What You’ll Gain: Direct experience applying CRISPR in plant biotechnology and exposure to commercial variety development.
Work Environment: Fully lab-based (Rothamsted Research).

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TOOLS & TRAITS TEAM

Focus: Novel genome editing tools and trait engineering
Project Overview: Join a dynamic team developing new editing technologies and exploring engineering of plant traits. Ideal for molecular or synthetic biology students.
Ideal Candidate:

• Background in molecular/synthetic biology
• Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, or cloning (Gibson/Golden Gate)
• Enthusiastic, creative, and organised

What You’ll Gain: Experience in genome editing design, cloning, record management, and scientific communication. Work at Rothamsted’s vibrant research campus and contribute to projects with real climate impact.
Work Environment: Fully lab-based.

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DATA TEAM

Focus: AI models for plant genetics
Project Overview: Support our data science team developing artificial intelligence models that predict genetic outcomes to accelerate crop improvement.
Ideal Candidate:

• Comfortable with coding (Python preferred)
• Analytical mindset and collaborative spirit
• Bioinformatics or statistics experience a plus
  What You’ll Gain: Exposure to AI-driven plant science, experience handling real -omics datasets, and insight into biotech data workflows.
  Work Environment: Fully remote, with optional monthly on-site visits for presentations and team lunches.

Interested?‍

Join Phytoform Labs for an innovative, hands-on PIPS placement at the intersection of biology, technology, and sustainability.

To learn more, complete the form below or contact us directly at apply@phytoformlabs.com