Job Title: Senior Genetic Engineer
Company Overview:
Life Science People has exclusively partnered with an early-stage company pioneering in vitro plant cell culture methods to produce cotton and other plant products more efficiently than traditional agriculture. This innovative approach minimizes the use of land, water, and energy while reducing waste, contributing to a healthier planet. The company is backed by rock-solid investors and recently secured $33 million in Series B funding in Q1 of 2024.
Position Overview:
We are seeking an accomplished Senior Genetic Engineer with 12-15 years of industry experience, including leadership roles, to lead our cutting-edge genetic engineering projects. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in plant transformation, genome editing, and trait development, particularly in cotton. As a senior leader in our team, you will drive innovation, mentor junior scientists, and play a critical role in advancing our in-vitro cotton development process to meet our scientific and commercial goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design, development, and execution of genetic engineering strategies to enhance cotton traits, focusing on stability, scalability, and commercial viability.
- Develop and optimize transformation protocols for cotton and other plant species, ensuring high efficiency and reproducibility.
- Oversee genetic modification of cotton plants using advanced genome editing techniques like CRISPR/Cas.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including cell biology, genomics, and bioinformatics, to integrate genetic engineering efforts.
- Conduct rigorous data analysis to ensure project milestones and objectives are met.
- Stay current with advancements in plant genetic engineering and apply innovations to drive the company’s R&D efforts.
- Mentor and lead a team of scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment as the company grows.
- Communicate scientific progress and key findings to internal stakeholders, external partners, and investors.
- Contribute to the development of intellectual property, including patents related to novel genetic modifications.
Qualifications:
- PhD in Plant Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, or a related field (or MS with extensive industry experience).
- 12-15 years of industry experience in plant transformation and genome editing, with a focus on developing commercially viable traits.
- Proven leadership experience, with the ability to lead teams and manage complex research projects from concept to execution.
- Extensive experience with CRISPR/Cas and other genome editing technologies.
- Strong expertise in plant tissue culture, including somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration, particularly in cotton.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with a strategic mindset and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment.
- Strong communication skills, capable of presenting complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.