Research Scientist - Rice Biotechnology (3-year fixed-term contract)

We have a new opportunity for a skilled Researcher to be part of the Rice Biotechnology team and support the delivery of key projects, in a role that combines project/experiment planning with laboratory-based work.

Job Purpose

The Rice Team’s mission is to make tropical agriculture more productive and sustainable through the application of cutting-edge genetic innovation, enabling brighter and more secure futures for rice growers. We apply advanced gene editing technologies to develop commercially important traits in rice varieties, working in close partnership with external collaborators to translate scientific breakthroughs into real-world agricultural solutions.

We are looking for a highly motivated and capable scientist with strong scientific expertise and a solid background in plant genetics, biotechnology, molecular biology, and plant tissue culture. The ideal candidate will be well-organised, collaborative, and an effective team player who enjoys working closely with others. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to contribute positively to a dynamic, multidisciplinary team environment.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to building scientific strategy for trait development via genome editing


• Co-ordinate with other teams and organize tasks of multiple stages of genome editing projects: cloning, transformation, genotyping, seed production, phenotyping.


• Set and validate methods to screen edited plants for desired phenotype


• Execute and supervise the execution of plant tissue culture and genome editing experiments, collecting data and reporting


• Perform focused literature reviews, report findings and make recommendations

Requirements 

You will be an experienced Researcher with a strong background in plant biology and a desire to apply your expertise within crop biotechnology. 

Technical

• PhD in a relevant discipline, such as Plant Genetics, Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or a closely related field


• Strong plant sciences and plant functional genomics background


• Scientific thinking, data-driven decision-making


• Ability to design, interpret, and troubleshoot complex biological experiments and datasets


• Ability to document experiments clearly and maintain high-quality records of data, communications and decisions

Transferable

• Takes strong ownership of work, demonstrating accountability for delivering high-quality results and meeting project timelines


• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team 


• Strong oral and written communication skills 


• A collaborative team player who actively supports others and helps create a positive and productive working environment


• Flexibility to handle changes in a fast-paced environment. 

Desirable: hands-on experience with plant tissue culture, ability to troubleshoot and improve processes

 About Us

Tropic is one of the world’s leading agricultural gene-editing companies. Our team is dedicated to the development and commercialization of high-performing varieties of tropical crops to provide significant benefits to growers, processors, and consumers globally, tackling real-world problems around food security and sustainability.

Our vision is to become a leading seed business with significant ownership of its products from the laboratory to the field, while maintaining constructive relationships with growers and consumers based on transparency and trust.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits including Private Medical Care, Medical Cash Plan, 25 days annual leave and Life Assurance  


• Excellent learning and career development opportunities 


• Diverse workforce operating in a dynamic working environment 

Further Information

• Job Location– Norwich UK.
  


• Time Requirement– Full Time.
  


• Contract– fixed term (3 years).


• Closing date– 26th April.