We are seeking an experienced plant molecular biologist to contribute to the improvement of traits, particularly the yields of specific secondary metabolites, in our proprietary plant cell culture lines.
Role DescriptionAbout Green Bioactives
At Green Bioactives we are passionate about improving lives and making a positive impact on the world by developing and commercialising sustainable plant-derived natural products made using our innovative plant cell culture-based biomanufacturing platform.
Our proprietary Plant Cell Culture Technology has enabled us to revolutionise the way that plant-derived ingredients are produced, using sustainable methods of cultivation without the need to destroy trees or habitats. This means that, in a natural and sustainable way, we can reliably produce valuable ingredients that may otherwise be challenging to obtain at the required volumes year-round.
Everyone at Green Bioactives is driven to do the right thing. We believe in a culture of honesty and transparency, where feedback is considered an opportunity for us to contribute to each other’s professional growth and development. We recognise the value of diversity and are an equal opportunity employer.
We are a highly collaborative team of scientists, technologists, industry experts and entrepreneurs, united by our mission to protect the environment and revolutionise plant biotechnology.
Position
The Scientist I or II in Plant Molecular Biology will be involved in the design, implementation and practical evaluation of genetic engineering approaches to improve plant cell culture traits, particularly the yields of specific secondary metabolites. They will provide knowledge and expertise in molecular biology and its application in the plant sciences and to metabolic engineering. As part of our R&D team, they will work in a dynamic environment and communicate complex biological mechanisms, methods, analyses, and results with scientists from diverse backgrounds.
Key Responsibilities
The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list of roles and responsibilities but rather to provide potential applicants with guidance around the main aspects of the job. These include:
- Contributing to planning plant bioengineering-related activities to achieve project goals in a timely manner.
- Using good information-seeking skills to support molecular biology-related project goals, e.g., literature searching to identify potentially attractive candidate genes for metabolic manipulation, with guidance from your Line Manager.
- Designing, planning and executing molecular biology-related experiments in accordance with project goals and with guidance from your Line Manager. Examples include:
- Designing, generating, cloning and validating genetic constructs for transformation.
- Performing molecular characterisation of wild-type and engineered cell lines.
- Critically evaluating molecular biology data to identify trends and problems, draw conclusions, enable information-driven decision making, and determine next steps to support research projects in cooperation with your Line Manager.
- Collaborating with the wider laboratory team to develop, validate, standardise and improve molecular biology procedures and general laboratory operations, especially as these apply to plant tissue culture and transformation.
- Training and mentoring less experienced members of the team in molecular biology best practices.
- Maintaining accurate and detailed records of experiments, procedures, and results in accordance with company standards, including the use of electronic laboratory notebooks.
- Presenting scientific data in line with company data presentation standards and good scientific practice.
- Adhering to and promoting a culture of laboratory safety, following established safety protocols and guidelines and actively contributing to health and safety risk assessments.
- Contributing to laboratory cleanliness and tidiness, e.g., by returning items to their designated places, cleaning up spillages, and taking part in routine cleaning.
- Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to support ongoing research projects, troubleshoot issues, and share insights and findings.
- Participating in training sessions and seeking continuous learning opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in molecular biology.
Qualifications and Skills
- For Scientist I: An MSc with more than one year’s relevant industry experience, or a BSc with more than two years’ relevant industry experience.
- For Scientist II: A plant molecular biology-focussed PhD, an MSc with more than two years’ relevant industry experience, or a BSc with more than three years’ relevant industry experience.
- Experience in lab-based biological research.
- Demonstrated experience with the following techniques:
- DNA/RNA isolation
- PCR, qPCR
- Cloning
- Plasmid construction
- Gene editing
- Next-generation sequencing library prep
- Agrobacteriumsp./E. coli/yeast transformation
- Recombinant protein expression inE. coliand/or yeast
- Recombinant protein purification
- Electrophoresis and western blot
- In vitroassays of protein–protein, nucleic acid–protein interactions
- Microscopy sample preparation, observation and analysis
- The ability to accurately follow protocols and procedures.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Computer literate, including using Microsoft Excel for statistical analysis.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Willingness to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges.
- Commitment to laboratory safety and best practice.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment.
- A comprehensive understanding of the plant secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways and their control.
- Experience bioengineering cell cultures from plant species that lack sequenced genomes.
- Experience with gene editing and transgenesis techniques, e.g., CRISPR and traditional genetic modification approaches.
- Experience increasing the production of specific metabolites through genetic engineering.
- Direct experience with plant in vitro tissue culture techniques, including protoplast isolation, and somatic embryogenesis.
- Experience using electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) or electronic laboratory information management system (eLIMS) software (ideally Labguru).
- Experience working under a quality management system.
- Experience working on plant tissue culture in industry.
- Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
Additional Information
- Job Title: Scientist I or II – Plant Molecular Biology
- Job Location: Pentlands Science Park
- Job Type: Permanent, full-time
- Hours of Work: A minimum of 40 hours per week worked Monday to Friday including a paid lunch break of up to 1 hour per day. Flexibility around the core working hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- Benefits: 33 days’ holiday (pro-rated, inclusive of 8 public holidays), pension scheme, EMI share options.
- Right to Work in the UK: Desirable.
- References: To be made available upon request.
At Green Bioactives, we value diversity and are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination. We offer support and make reasonable adjustments to facilitate full participation in the recruitment process. Please inform us of any requirements you may have, and we will consider reasonable adjustments.
What it’s like to work at Green Bioactives
Join Green Bioactives, a purpose-driven startup where your work really makes a difference. Be part of the journey from development to commercialisation of sustainable natural ingredients, working alongside a passionate, committed team.
As we grow, so will your opportunities, giving you the chance to shape your career while shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
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