Plant Scientist – CRISPR Precision Breeding

Soilcea; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Soilcea is seeking a Plant Scientist to advance CRISPR‑based precision breeding for disease‑resistant citrus in Tampa. The role emphasizes hands‑on molecular biology, plant transformation, tissue culture, and genome editing with leadership responsibilities within a growing R&D team.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. or M.S. with extensive bench experience in gene editing, regeneration, and data analysis, contributing to non‑GMO citrus improvement and field data collection in Florida.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Science, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• OR
• M.S. in a related field with 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in plant genetic transformation and regeneration.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis).
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific documentation.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments related to CRISPR‑mediated gene editing in crop plants.
• Perform molecular cloning, Agrobacterium‑mediated transformation, and protoplast transfection.
• Conduct tissue culture and regeneration of crop plants.
• Collect and analyze molecular and phenotypic data, including PCR, qPCR, sequencing, and gene expression assays.
• Participate in plant disease assays both in controlled environments and field conditions.
• Contribute to field data collection, organization, and statistical analysis.
• Coordinate with team members to advance project goals.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to project planning and troubleshooting.

Skills

CRISPR editing

Molecular biology

Tissue culture

Plant transformation

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Science

M.S. in related field

Tools

PCR/qPCR

DNA/RNA extraction

Agrobacterium transformation

Protoplast transfection

Gel electrophoresis

Job description

Job Title: Plant Scientist – CRISPR Precision Breeding

Location: Tampa, FL Job Type:

Full-time Salary: $70,000–$100,000 per year

Benefits: Health insurance, Paid time off

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Position Overview

Soilcea is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Plant Scientist to support our mission of developing disease-resistant citrus through CRISPR‑based precision breeding. This role will play a critical part in advancing our non‑GMO citrus improvement pipeline by editing key susceptibility genes associated with bacterial disease resistance.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology, plant transformation, tissue culture, and genome editing technologies. This is a hands‑on position with significant bench work, as well as potential opportunities to participate in field data collection and phenotypic analysis. This is a leadership role within a growing and collaborative R&D team based in Tampa, Florida.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments related to CRISPR‑mediated gene editing in crop plants
• Perform molecular cloning, Agrobacterium‑mediated transformation, and protoplast transfection
• Conduct tissue culture and regeneration of crop plants
• Collect and analyze molecular and phenotypic data, including PCR, qPCR, sequencing, and gene expression assays
• Participate in plant disease assays both in controlled environments and field conditions
• Contribute to field data collection, organization, and statistical analysis
• Coordinate with team members to advance project goals
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to project planning and troubleshooting

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Science, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience
• OR
• M.S. in a related field with 5+ years of hands‑on laboratory experience
• Demonstrated expertise in plant genetic transformation and regeneration
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis)
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific documentation
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with CRISPR‑Cas systems in plants
• Prior work with citrus, tomato, potato, or olive
• Experience in an industry R&D setting

About Soilcea

Soilcea is at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology, focused on developing CRISPR‑edited citrus varieties resistant to devastating bacterial pathogens. Citrus canker and Huanglongbing (citrus greening) have significantly impacted the Florida citrus industry, reducing yields by over 90% and causing billions in economic losses. Soilcea holds exclusive licenses to foundational CRISPR technologies developed at the University of Florida aimed at solving these challenges through non‑GMO precision breeding. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable citrus production.