Trait Design Scientist Wild Bioscience Ltd – Design Team

European Plant Science Organisation; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading plant research organization in the UK is seeking an experienced Trait Design Scientist to drive their R&D initiatives in photosynthesis. The role involves managing complex experiments, analysing data to identify key genetics, and collaborating with experts to enhance data collection protocols. Applicants should possess a PhD in a relevant field and have significant experience in scientific research and data analysis. The position offers flexibility with an on-site requirement at the headquarters in Milton Park, Oxfordshire.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline, e.g., Plant Science or Bioinformatics.
• Proven experience in scientific research project management.
• Deep understanding of photosynthesis and physiological data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Lead experiments to collect bespoke physiology and genetic datasets.
• Establish robust phenotyping methods and train junior team members.
• Utilise machine learning tools to mine datasets for genetic insights.

Skills

Photosynthesis expertise

Data analysis

Gas exchange systems usage

Machine learning application

Education

PhD in Plant Science or relevant discipline

Tools

Linux

Bioinformatic tools

Job description

The role

We are looking for a motivated and skilled Trait Design Scientist, ideally with a background in photosynthesis research, to drive our R&D initiatives. At Wild, we are building proprietary and “new-to-science” datasets that we use to discover new yield traits. You will play a key role in analysing these datasets and driving the future direction of data collection to accelerate this discovery work.

Location

We’re headquartered in Milton Park, a business and technology park in Oxfordshire. This is an on-site role, though we offer flexibility and hybrid working when possible.

Job requirements

• A PhD in a relevant discipline, e.g. Plant Science, Photosynthesis, Plant Physiology, Bioinformatics.
• Proven experience delivering complex scientific research projects and driving their strategic direction.
• Deep theoretical and practical understanding of photosynthesis; you are comfortable interpreting complex physiological data to generate biological hypotheses.
• Experience using gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence systems (e.g. LICORs, Walz), and/or other photosynthetic mechanistic studies used to dissect photosynthetic performance.
• A strong understanding of the genetic mechanisms that govern plant phenotypes and the factors that influence gene expression.
• Familiarity with Linux, bioinformatic tools, and the application of machine learning to genomic/phenotype data is highly desirable.
• A growth-oriented mindset focused on continuous improvement – evaluating new tools and sparking innovation within the team.
• Ability to distil complex data into clear hypothesis and lead collaborative decision-making sessions.

Job responsibilities

• Lead the design and management of experiments to collect bespoke physiology and genetic datasets across diverse species.
• Establish robust phenotyping methods and train junior team members to ensure high-quality data collection at scale.
• Utilise machine learning and bioinformatic tools to mine proprietary datasets, identifying causal genetics behind key photosynthesis traits.
• Critically evaluate machine learning / AI outputs by integrating photosynthesis expertise with literature reviews and data from our proprietary evolutionary and cell-based platform.
• Lead trait design sessions, collaborating with other photosynthesis experts, construct engineers, and bioinformaticians to inform phase promotion decisions.
• Iteratively improve data collection protocols based on the latest photosynthesis research.