Sr. Scientist: Functional Genomics & Genome Editing

Talent Acquisition Team; Al Ain; On-site; AED 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

ARC-Gen, the Center of Excellence for Abiotic Resilience and Crop Genomics, is a UAE-based partnership between Silal and Limagrain Vegetable Seeds, aiming to build world-class capabilities in plant physiology and genome editing to enhance crops under heat, drought, and salinity.

As Senior Scientist: Functional Genomics & Genome Editing, you will lead delivery systems and editing strategies, collaborate across disciplines, mentor technicians, and drive compliant, high-impact research toward

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Cell Biology or Plant Biotechnology.
• Fluent in English.
• 8+ years of professional research experience.
• Proven CRISPR/Cas genome editing expertise.
• Experience with bioinformatics analysis.
• Knowledge of regulatory and quality processes.

Responsibilities

• Explore state-of-the-art technologies in genome editing.
• Optimize protocols for gene delivery in crops.
• Design experiments to test editing strategies using CRISPR/Cas9.
• Contribute to functional genomics studies on abiotic stress.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver an integrated genomics pipeline.
• Mentor lab technicians and manage research projects.
• Prepare reports and communicate results to stakeholders.

Skills

CRISPR/Cas technology

Genome editing

Bioinformatics analysis

Molecular biology

Genetic engineering

Data analysis

Regulatory awareness

Lab mentorship

Education

PhD in Plant Cell Biology or Plant Biotechnology

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.