Sr. Scientist: Functional Genomics & Genome Editing

Silal; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Silal, in partnership with Limagrain, seeks a Senior Scientist in Functional Genomics & Genome Editing to lead cutting-edge genome editing research. You will oversee projects delivering genome-edited crops capable of withstanding abiotic stresses in arid conditions.

The role requires a PhD in Plant Cell Biology and 8+ years of hands-on CRISPR biology, bioinformatics, and plant transformation. Collaborative, cross-disciplinary work and leadership of a small team are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Cell Biology or related field; fluency in English.
• Minimum 8+ years of professional experience in genome editing.
• Proven expertise with CRISPR/Cas and genome editing tools.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics analysis and end-to-end design.
• Experience with plant culture and regulatory constraints is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Explore and adopt state-of-the-art technologies in genome editing.
• Optimize protocols for gene delivery in SILAL strategic vegetable crops.
• Design and conduct experiments to test editing strategies using CRISPR/Cas9 and other tools.
• Contribute to functional genomics studies to elucidate gene functions under abiotic stresses.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver an integrated genomics pipeline.
• Mentor and supervise lab technicians.
• Prepare reports and communicate results to stakeholders.

Skills

CRISPR/Cas engineering

Gene delivery optimization

Abiotic stress genetics

Bioinformatics data integration

R&D pipeline management

Education

PhD in Plant Cell Biology

Fluent in English

Tools

CRISPR/Cas tools

Bioinformatics tools

Agrobacterium transformation

Biolistic delivery

Job description

Job Details

Job Title: Senior Scientist- Functional Genomics & Genome 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 Sr. Scientist: Functional Genomics & Genome Editing, you will manage research projects in delivery systems, advanced gene editing tools and editing strategies to support the establishment of a Gene editing Research Unit at SILAL and 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

Functional

• Explore and adopt state-of-the-art technologies in genome editing.
• Optimize protocols for gene delivery in SILAL strategic vegetable crops.
• Design and conduct experiments to test, validate and apply 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.
• Work collaboratively with experts across disciplines (cell biology, genomics, bioinformatics, trait development, and pre-breeding) to deliver an integrated genomics pipeline.
• Collaborate with Biotechnology experts, including sequencing, biostatistics, and bioinformatics, to consolidate, analyze and interpret experimental data for meaningful conclusions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate improved CRISPR tools into various projects and applications
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations to communicate results to internal teams and end users.
• Participate in collaborations and interact with external partners.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative research environment.

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.

People Management

• Mentor and supervise lab technicians.

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 for a minimum of 8+ Years.
• Demonstrated expertise in CRISPR/Cas technology and genome editing tools.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools & analysis (end-to-end: guide RNA design, edition efficiency and accuracy and off-target analysis.
• Proven track record in developing and optimizing genome editing techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving and data analysis skills.
• Expertise in molecular biology, genetic engineering, molecular cloning, and bioinformatics analysis.
• Knowledge of regulatory constraints and quality processes.
• Experience with vitro plant culture (monocots and dicots) is a plus.

Competencies

• Advanced CRISPR/Cas Engineering: Designing and validating precise editing strategies (CRISPR/Cas9, base/prime editing) for crop improvement.
• Gene Delivery Optimization: Mastering transformation techniques like Agrobacterium or biolistic to deliver editing tools into plant cells.
• Functional Genomics & Abiotic Stress: Identifying and manipulating gene regulatory networks to enhance heat, drought, and salinity tolerance.
• Bioinformatics & Data Integration: Collaborating with biostatisticians to analyze sequencing data and interpret complex genomic results.
• Integrated R&D Pipeline Management: Managing the full transition of edited traits from lab-scale proof of concept to pre-breeding applications.