Scientist II Resurrect Bio Helping crops defeat disease

AgFunder; Norwich; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A plant biotech start-up in Norwich is seeking a postgraduate Scientist (Level II) to lead the Discovery team. You will be responsible for overseeing the in-house research while collaborating on significant projects aimed at enhancing plant resistance. Candidates must possess a PhD in plant biology and demonstrate strong molecular biology skills. The position offers share options, a bonus, and a supportive work environment within an innovative team.

Benefits

Share options in the company

10% annual bonus

34 days of annual leave

Pension plan

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• PhD in plant biology or similar field, or equivalent experience (essential).
• Experience working in a seed company (highly desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead the in-house Discovery team and report to the Lead Biologist.
• Work on the current screening platform and develop it further.
• Contribute to groundbreaking research to transform plant biotechnology.

Skills

Accurate record keeping

Attention to detail

Data presentation

Clear communication of results

Strong molecular biology skills

Sterile technique

RNA extraction and processing

Experience in barcode based library design

Education

PhD in plant biology or similar field

Tools

PCR

DNA sequencing analysis

CRISPR based gene editing

Job description

Resurrect Bio is a VC-backed plant biotech start-up, discovering how to make crops resistant to disease using gene editing. We fix the immune system of crop species. We have a unique pipeline and platform for discovering resistance genes in crops which have been defeated by pathogens and pests. We then resurrect (restore) those resistance genes to make the crop resistant again, without introducing any new DNA to the crop.

We’re focussed on delivering for the world’s farmers a better way to protect their plants, using the crop’s own immune system instead of spraying chemicals. This will enable them to increase food production, reduce land for agriculture and help mitigate climate change.

In December 2021, Resurrect Bio was spun out of the top institute for molecular plant microbe interactions, The Sainsbury Lab, Norwich. Since then, we have attracted financial support from several renowned VCs, as well as UK Government grant funding.

What we offer

• Share options in Resurrect Bio
• 10% annual bonus on your base salary, when the company hits milestones
• 34 days of annual leave, including bank holidays
• Pension plan
• Private medical insurance
• Full-time: 35hours pw, Monday-Friday

This role

We are seeking a postgraduate Scientist (Level II) to join us at our lab in White City, London. This job will help lead the in-house Discovery team and will report to the Lead Biologist.

This role will cross both our current screening platform and work on helping to develop the platform further. A PhD in a relevant field is expected, with specific experience in plant science desired.

Opportunities and what we provide

• Collaborative working environment in a well-funded scale up
• Contribute to ground breaking research which we will use to transform plant biotechnology
• Make a real world impact on the life of farmers across the world
• Contribute to research papers (when possible)
• Networking via attending conferences if desired
• Tailored personal growth opportunities

Qualifications/Experience

• PhD in plant biology or similar field, or equivalent experience (essential)
• Experience working in a seed company (highly desirable)

Essential skills

• Accurate record keeping, attention to detail, data presentation, clear communication of results
• Ability to work in a dynamic team of different job roles including more junior and senior team members
• Clear evidence as a self-starter, e.g. through experience in a start-up
• Strong molecular biology skills including PCR, Golden Gate based cloning, construct design, DNA sequencing analysis
• Sterile technique for cell/ tissue culture
• RNA extraction and processing from plant tissues
• Experience in barcode based library design for RNA/DNA sequencing

Desired skills

• Experience in generating and transforming plant protoplasts
• Competent in plant husbandry
• Experience using CRISPR based gene editing approaches in plants
• Past experience of training students or more junior team members

Application process

This role uses blind recruitment practices to reduce unconscious bias in our hiring process. The system identifies information such as names, photos, and personal details are removed during initial screening to ensure candidates are evaluated solely on their skills and experience. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Applications will close end November 2025.