Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering

Royal Holloway, University of London; Egham; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave entitlement

Pension with employer contribution

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Royal Holloway, University of London invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Biological Sciences, based in Egham, Surrey. The role involves joining the plant synthetic biology project in collaboration with SYNGENTA Jealott’s Hill, leading experiments and applying design–build–test–learn strategies.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD (or near completion) in a related field, with strong plant molecular biology and cell culture experience, and will contribute to

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in Plant Biology, Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology or related discipline.
• Strong research background in plant molecular cell biology and plant in vitro culture.
• Experience with plant cell/tissue culture, genetic transformation, selection and screening, and molecular cloning techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental research using physiological, biochemical, imaging and multi-omics approaches.
• Apply iterative design–build–test–learn strategies for plant engineering.
• Contribute to publications, conference presentations and development of the research programme.

Skills

Plant molecular cell biology

Plant tissue culture

Genetic transformation

Molecular cloning

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Plant Biology / related discipline

Tools

Bioinformatics

Microscopy

Job description

Right to Work

Right to work: Please note that it will not be possible for the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the successful candidate for this position. Therefore, the appointable candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK or have leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with the University, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Applications are invited for the post of Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Biological Sciences.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Department of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London, working with Professor Alessandra Devoto, in collaboration with SYNGENTA Jealott’s Hill, on the exciting research project “Plant Cell Libraries”. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative research in plant synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, focusing on the development and characterisation of engineered plant cell cultures and whole plants. The successful candidate will lead experimental research using physiological, biochemical, imaging and multi-omics approaches, applying iterative design–build–test–learn strategies to advance plant engineering. Working collaboratively within a dynamic research environment, the post holder will contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and the wider development of the research programme.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

You will have a PhD (or be close to completion) in Plant Biology, Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related discipline, together with a strong research background in plant molecular cell biology and plant in vitro culture. You will have practical experience in plant cell and tissue culture, genetic transformation, selection and screening, and molecular cloning techniques, alongside skills in experimental design, data analysis and interpretation. Experience in preparing biological samples for high-throughput genomics, microscopy and related bioinformatics analyses would be advantageous. You will also demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organisational and time management abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively. Your ability to maintain accurate research records, present complex scientific information to different audiences and support the mentoring of students and colleagues will be important to the successful delivery of the project.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing
• Free parking

Hiring Information

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Prof Alessandra Devoto on [e-mail] or [phone].

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: [e-mail]

Please quote the reference: 1026-357

Closing Date: 23:59, 13 November 2026

Interview Date: 18 November 2026 (due to the timescales involved, we are unable to accommodate requests to reschedule this date)

Start date: 1 December 2026

Location

The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated, near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.

Equality and Diversity

Royal Holloway is committed to equality and diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community.

Read here about structures and initiatives around equality and diversity, including information on staff diversity networks.

Salary

From £42,150 per annum - including London Allowance. This is the expected starting salary for this post. Appointment at a higher point may be made for candidates who demonstrate exceptional skills and experience relevant to the role.