Research Scientist/Junior Research Scientist (ARIA)

The Role

As a Research Scientist (or Junior Research Scientist), you will be testing and delivering large DNA molecules (artificial chromosomes) to plant cells, and monitoring and validating chromosome components, thus contributing directly to the development of a plant artificial chromosome. You’ll work closely with our multidisciplinary team and academic partners in synthetic biology and epigenetics. If you’re ready to move from academia or industry into a fast-paced start-up environment, this is a great opportunity.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and optimise delivery strategies for synthetic chromosomes in plant cells through protoplast transformation and fusion.
• Deliver artificial chromosomes for validation of centromeres, telomeres, and replication elements using fluorescence microscopy.
• Contribute to new potato product lines through gene editing and tissue culture regeneration.
• Maintain accurate, high-quality experimental records and contribute to project reports, patents, and publications.

What You Will Bring

• PhD or MSc and proven work experience in Molecular Biology, Plant Genetics, or a related field (essential).
• Expertise in molecular cloning and genomic analysis (PCR, DNA extraction, etc.) (essential).
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop or optimise molecular biology methods (essential).
• Strong organisational, communication, and teamwork skills (essential).
• Experience with tissue culture and sterile techniques under GLP (desirable).
• Experience in plant protoplast isolation, transformation, or fusion (desirable).

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary plus participation in our Employee Stock Option Plan.
• Private Medical Insurance, access to gym, tennis courts, and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Flexible hours (core 10am–4pm) and opportunities for home working when analysing data.
• Supportive, multidisciplinary environment with strong academic and commercial links.
• Be part of a world-first ARIA-funded project to build a synthetic plant chromosome - a pioneering challenge with the potential to transform agriculture and global food security.
• Join a dynamic biotech start-up driving innovation at the intersection of synthetic biology and AI.

The Company

Phytoform is a start-up headquartered just outside London, developing next-generation breeding technologies and AI-driven crop innovation. Our goal is to create sustainable, resilient crops to address climate change, food security, and global agricultural challenges.

Our scientists are part of a £6 million Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) consortium, working with the University of Cambridge, the University of Western Australia, and Macquarie University on the world’s first synthetic plant chromosome - a landmark in synthetic biology with far-reaching agricultural implications.

This project supports Phytoform’s mission to accelerate crop development and equip plants with beneficial traits such as drought tolerance and nitrogen fixation, reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint and improving resilience to climate change.

Phytoform is currently pre-Series A, with exciting growth plans.

How to Apply

If you want to play a key role in this bold scientific endeavour, please send a 1-page cover letter explaining your fit and motivation, along with your CV via the 'Apply' button above (E: apply@phytoformlabs.com)

Subject: Research Scientist 102025

Further details

Visa: Please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must therefore already have the right to work in the UK.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Application Deadline: 10 December 2025. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Shortlisting and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before the deadline.

Funding: This role is supported by the UK Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).

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