Job Description
Research Scientist (Biokinetics & Fungal Genetics)
Location: Jealott’s Hill, UK
Contract length: 2 years
Salary: £17.74
Department: Bioscience – Crop Protection
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Scientist to join the Bioscience function within Crop Protection, supporting disease control research at a leading international research centre based at Jealott’s Hill.
This role will be split equally between Fungicide Biokinetics and Fungal Genetics, supporting projects that aim to deliver new insights into fungicide behaviour and fungal pathogen biology. The work combines applied biokinetics studies with advanced molecular and microbiological techniques.
Role Purpose
The successful candidate will work closely with Science Leaders and multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high‑quality experimental data within agreed timelines. The role requires strong technical capability in microbiology and molecular biology, alongside excellent organisational, communication and teamwork skills. All work must be carried out in compliance with strict Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Design and conduct in vivo biokinetics studies in fungi and plants to assess fungicide bioavailability
* Perform fungal genetics experiments, including mutagenesis, transformation, CRISPR‑based genome editing and sensitivity assays in fungal and oomycete pathogens
* Carry out molecular biology workflows including cloning, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, plasmid preparation, Oxford Nanopore sequencing and genome analysis
* Interpret and analyse experimental data, producing detailed reports and presentations for project teams
* Maintain fungal cultures, ensuring high‑quality, contamination‑free operations
* Review and improve existing protocols to enhance capacity, efficiency and reproducibility
* Transfer knowledge and build new capabilities to strengthen disease control research toolkits
* Implement HSE actions to ensure all laboratory operations meet defined safety standards
Essential Requirements
* BSc or MSc (preferred) in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Plant Science or a related discipline
* 1–2 years’ laboratory‑based experience in an academic or industrial setting
* Competence in microbiology and molecular biology techniques (e.g. cloning, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, aseptic techniques)
* Fundamental understanding of genetic transformation principles
* Strong scientific writing and verbal communication skills (fluent in English)
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to follow science plans and deliver results to deadlines
* Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and manage multiple priorities
Desirable Experience
* Experience culturing microorganisms and fungal pathogens (e.g. Zymoseptoria, Fusarium, Phytophthora, Aspergillus)
* Hands‑on experience with fungal transformation and CRISPR‑based genome editing
* Understanding of ADME studies for active ingredients
* Experience with LC‑MS analysis for small molecule detection
* Handling large datasets, including data storage, analysis, reporting and visualisation
* Experience running automated laboratory workflows