Principal Scientist: Cell Biology & Genome Editing

Talent Acquisition Team; Al Ain; On-site; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center of Excellence for Abiotic Resilience and Crop Genomics (ARC-Gen) in the UAE seeks a Principal Scientist in Cell Biology and Genome Editing. Lead research on plant cell biology, tissue regeneration, delivery systems, and advanced genome editing methodologies to support crops under abiotic stress.

You'll manage projects, mentor technicians, and collaborate across teams to accelerate research and translate findings into end-user deliverables. English fluency required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Cell Biology or related field.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Explore and implement state-of-the-art technologies in plant cell biology and genome editing.
• Develop tools for cellular studies and molecular biology workflows.
• Investigate plant cell development using advanced microscopy and cellular techniques.
• Optimize gene delivery and transformation in strategic crop species.
• Design genome editing strategies using CRISPR/Cas9 and other tools.
• Contribute to functional genomics to map abiotic stress responses.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate findings with genomic data.
• Present findings internally and at conferences; contribute to publications.

Skills

Plant cell biology

Genome editing

Bioinformatics

Data analysis

Problem solving

Regulatory knowledge

In vitro culture

Transformation

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Cell Biology

Tools

CRISPR design tools

Off-target analysis software

Bioinformatics pipelines

Job description

Job Title

Principal Scientist - Cell Biology and Gene Editing

Sector

Innovation Oasis

Department

Science and Research

Section

Plant Genetics

Reporting Lines

Direct Reports To: Sr. Research Manager: Gene Editing & Cell Biology

Job Purpose

The Center of Excellence for Abiotic Resilience and Crop Genomics (ARC-Gen) is a partnership between Silal, the UAE’s leading agri-food and technology company, and Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS), the world leader in Vegetable Seeds. This partnership is aiming to develop a world class research facility in UAE with state-of-the-art capabilities in plant physiology and gene editing, with the ultimate goal of enhancing crops’ ability to withstand extreme conditions such as heat, drought, and salinity.

As a Principle Scientist in Cell Biology & Genome editing, you will contribute to the development of the GE-Research Unit at ARC-Gen. You will manage research projects in plant cell biology, tissue regeneration, delivery systems, and advanced genome editing methodologies.

This position plays a pivotal role in supporting the development of genome-edited plants designed to withstand abiotic stress in arid and desert-like growing conditions.

Your work will contribute directly to global priorities such as food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience.

Key Responsibilities

• Explore, adopt and implement state-of-the-art technologies in plant cell biology and genome editing.
• Develop novel tools and methodologies for cellular studies.
• Investigate plant cell and tissue developmental processes using advanced microscopy and cell biology techniques.
• Optimize protocols for gene delivery and transformation in SILAL strategic vegetable crops.
• Design and implement genome editing strategies using CRISPR/Cas9 and other genetic engineering tools.
• Contribute to functional genomics studies to elucidate gene functions and regulatory networks related to abiotic stresses.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (geneticists, bioinformaticians, trait experts, pre-breeders) to integrate cell biology findings with genomic data.
• Work closely with trait experts for rapid assessment of plant performance.
• Present research findings internally and at scientific conferences contribute to publications.
• Project Leadership & Management:
• Propose, design, and manage research projects independently.
• Act as an expert in your domain and collaborate across research areas for timely delivery.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement to accelerate research processes.
• Ensure efficient transfer of deliverables and know-how to end users.
• Participate in building collaborations with world-class experts and maintain cutting-edge knowledge in the field.
• Financial Management:
• Contribute to project budgeting and research workplan development.
• People Management:
• Mentor and supervise technicians in best practices for technology use.
• Stakeholder Management:
• Key Internal Stakeholders: All Sectors, Departments and Offices.
• Any other concerned internal stakeholders as required.
• Key External Stakeholders: Concerned government, semi-government and private sector entities.
• Any other concerned external stakeholders as required.

Required Qualification

Academic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Cell Biology, Plant Biotechnology, or related field.
• Fluent in English.

Professional Experience

• Professional Experience of a minimum of 12+ Years.
• Deep understanding of genome editing principles and molecular biology.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools for guide RNA design and off-target analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving and data analysis skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory constraints and quality processes.
• Experience with in vitro plant culture and genetic transformation (monocots and dicots) is a plus.

Technical Competencies

• Strategic CRISPR Design: Designing and implementing advanced genome editing strategies (CRISPR/Cas9, base/prime editing) for trait discovery. (Expert)
• Complex Delivery & Transformation: Optimizing high-efficiency gene delivery protocols specifically for strategic vegetable crop species. (Expert)
• Subcellular Developmental Imaging: Investigating plant tissue processes through advanced microscopy and functional cellular studies. (Expert)
• Regulatory Network Elucidation: Using functional genomics to map and manipulate the gene networks governing abiotic responses. (Expert)
• Integrated Trait Assessment: Collaborating across bioinformatics and pre-breeding to rapidly validate the field-readiness of edited genotypes. (Expert)