LeafyColl is a Cambridge-based plant biotechnology startup using molecular biology, genome editing and synthetic biology to turn plants into high-value products. We are developing new lettuce varieties with improved commercial traits using CRISPR-Cas genome editing, and we are looking for a scientist to take ownership of this programme, from candidate-gene identification and construct design through lettuce transformation, tissue culture and regeneration to validated genome-edited plants.
Our primary requirement is proven hands‑on success in generating, regenerating and molecularly confirming genome-edited plants, ideally lettuce (Lactuca sativa).
- Salary: £37,694 to £45,049 per annum, plus company pension
- Contract: 18-month fixed-term, extendable, with potential to become permanent
- Start date: 1 January 2027
Responsibilities
- Identify and prioritise candidate genes underlying commercial traits using genomic, genetic and expression data
- Design CRISPR-Cas editing constructs, including guide RNA selection, and oversee their assembly
- Evaluate advanced CRISPR tools (alternative Cas nucleases, PAM-flexible variants, base and prime editing) where scientifically justified
- Carry out Agrobacterium-mediated lettuce transformation and optimise transformation efficiency
- Perform lettuce tissue culture, shoot regeneration, rooting and establishment of whole plants
- Confirm editing events by genotyping and sequencing, and develop transgene‑free edited lines where feasible
- Phenotype edited plants and report reproducible results against project milestones
- Work collaboratively with the LeafyColl team and external academic and industry partners
Qualifications: Essential
- PhD (or near completion) in plant molecular biology, plant biotechnology, plant genetics or a related field
- Demonstrated personal success in generating, regenerating and sequence‑confirming CRISPR‑edited plants
- Practical experience of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, tissue culture and whole‑plant regeneration, preferably in lettuce or related crops
- Experience identifying candidate genes for plant traits and designing genome‑editing constructs
- Ability to plan experiments independently, troubleshoot effectively and collaborate well with others
Qualifications: Desirable
- CRISPR editing, transformation and regeneration specifically in lettuce
- Transformation of commercially relevant vegetable cultivars
- Cas12a, multiplex, base or prime editing; PAM‑flexible Cas variants (e.g. SpG, SpRY); off‑target assessment
- Functional genomics, transient expression, or miRNA, siRNA and RNAi approaches
- Plant phenotyping, metabolic engineering, or postdoctoral or industry experience
You do not need every desirable skill to apply.
- Interviews will include a short presentation on your genome‑editing work. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK or Enquire it if you are a right fit. LeafyColl is an equal opportunities employer.
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