Senior Genetic Engineer in Manchester

Energy Jobline ZR; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Jobline ZR is partnering with a Manchester-based university spinout to recruit a Plant Scientist to join a pioneering crop biotechnology program. The role focuses on cytoplasmic trait development in crops, translating cutting-edge science into practical agricultural solutions.

You will design and execute plant molecular biology experiments, advance gene editing and transformation methods, and work closely with an interdisciplinary R&D team in a fast-paced, early-stage environment at an

Qualifications

• PhD in plant science or related field.
• Experience with gene editing or plant genetic engineering.
• Experience with crop species (e.g. wheat, maize, tomato, potato).

Responsibilities

• Design and execute plant molecular biology experiments.
• Develop and optimise gene editing and transformation approaches in plants.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary R&D team.
• Contribute ideas and scientific insight in a fast-paced early-stage biotech environment.

Skills

Plant molecular biology

Gene editing

Plant genetic engineering

Problem solving

Education

PhD in plant science or related field

Job description

Job Description

Genetic Engineer / Senior Genetic Engineer (Plant Crops)

You are a hands-on plant scientist with strong molecular biology expertise. You enjoy working at the bench, solving complex biological problems, and translating fundamental science into real-world applications.

You want to work in a fast-paced, ambitious biotech where your work directly contributes to solving global challenges like food security and sustainable agriculture.

We are partnering with an exciting University of Manchester spinout developing a completely new frontier in crop technology. Their focus is on engineering chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes to introduce high-impact traits into major crop species. This approach unlocks advantages not possible through traditional nuclear genome engineering, including higher expression, stability, and non-Mendelian inheritance.

This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage and directly contribute to building a new category of agricultural biotechnology. You will work closely with the founding team and R&D colleagues to develop and deliver cytoplasmic traits across multiple crop species.

THE ROLE:

As a Plant Scientist, you will play a key role in designing, executing, and delivering experimental work to enable cytoplasmic trait development.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and execute plant molecular biology experiments
• Develop and optimise gene editing and transformation approaches in plant systems
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary R&D team
• Contribute ideas and scientific insight in a dynamic, early-stage environment

ABOUT YOU:

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in plant science or a related field
• Experience with gene editing or plant genetic engineering
• Experience working with crop species (e.g. wheat, maize, tomato, potato)

LOGISTICS:

• Full-time, on-site role, Manchester
• Exciting early-stage biotech environment