Crop Science Lead: Gene-Editing & Plant Innovation (Hybrid)

MorePeople; Cobham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MorePeople is seeking a senior Scientist to lead crop science research programmes and drive innovation in gene-editing across key vegetable crops. You will work closely with breeders, agronomists and researchers to translate lab discoveries into commercial crop improvements.

The role combines scientific leadership with hands-on lab work, mentoring a small team and representing the company at international conferences and collaborations.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent high-level qualification in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology, Crop Science or related discipline.
• Experience in plant science, plant breeding or closely related research environment.
• Strong knowledge of gene editing, molecular markers and/or advanced crop breeding technologies.
• Ability to manage multiple research projects, priorities and deadlines.
• Experience supervising or providing scientific leadership to researchers or technical colleagues.
• Excellent communication skills across scientific, breeding, operational and commercial teams.
• Interest in applying science to commercially relevant crop improvement.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and oversee innovative plant science research programmes.
• Establish and refine gene-editing protocols, workflows and experimental platforms across key vegetable crops.
• Troubleshoot complex experimental and technical challenges.
• Ensure high standards of experimental design, controls, data integrity and scientific documentation.
• Provide leadership while contributing hands-on technical input when required.
• Lead a small team of laboratory-based researchers.
• Represent the business at scientific conferences, forums and industry events in the UK and internationally.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Team management

Research program design

Data integrity

Cross-functional communication

Hands-on lab work

Education

PhD or equivalent high-level qualification in Plant Breeding / Genetics / Molecular Biology / Plant Pathology / Crop Science

Tools

Gene editing

Molecular markers

Crop breeding technologies

Job description

MorePeople is seeking a senior Scientist to lead crop science research programmes and drive innovation in gene-editing across key vegetable crops. You will work closely with breeders, agronomists and researchers to translate lab discoveries into commercial crop improvements.

The role combines scientific leadership with hands-on lab work, mentoring a small team and representing the company at international conferences and collaborations.