Research Fellow (Plant Genome Engineer) (110557-0626)

Location: University of Warwick Campus, Coventry, Stratford Campus

Duration: Fixed-term contract until 28 February 2027

About the Role 

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Professor George Bassel at George.Bassel@warwick.ac.uk.

We are seeking a Plant Genome Engineer to work on the development of a novel crop transformation technology. The successful candidate will join the lab of Professor George Bassel, University of Warwick, working in a team to overcome the transformation bottleneck in crop biotechnology.

This project is funded by the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA), and subject to contract negotiations. The project involves the engineering of the plant transforming bacterium Agrobacterium towards increasing its virulence. Strains will be developed and evaluated with respect to their capacity to increase the efficiency of crop transformation. Candidates should have experience with plant transformation, Agrobacterium, plant growth, molecular genetics, and ideally bacterial genetics. They must also have excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

About the Group/Team

• Bassel lab

You will join the Bassel group in the School of Life Sciences at Warwick University. We are a diverse group of interdisciplinary scientists who study plant response to the environment and using this information to engineer climate-resilient crops. This work represents a key enabling technology to reach this goal. 

The postholder will join an active research group in the Bassel lab at the School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick (Gibbet Hill & Stratford Campus). 

We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences. 

Hybrid Working: Please note that at Life Sciences Department, we offer a hybrid working of 1 day a week after the completion of probation period once you have been trained in the role. 

About You

We are looking for someone with expertise in plant transformation, plant growth and molecular genetics. Applicants should be proficient in plant transformation approaches, molecular cloning, plant growth and preferably bacterial genetics. Candidates must also have excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

JD - Research Fellow (Plant Genome Engineer) (110557).pdf – 123KB

Closing Deadline: Tuesday 07 July 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the 'Apply' button.

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