Genetics jobs

Job Title: Plant Molecular Biologist
Location: Park Farm Campus, Villa Road, Histon, CB24 9AT
Salary: £35,002 per annum
Contract: 2-year fixed term
Working hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Closing date: 6 August 2026

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​About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Plant Molecular Biologist to join our Crop Transformation Group at our Cambridge site on a 2-year fixed term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative crop science research and work alongside a supportive team developing technologies that will help shape the future of sustainable agriculture.

Working within a collaborative team of scientists and technical specialists, you will manage molecular biology activities supporting both commercial and academic research programmes across multiple crop species. This is a practical, laboratory-based position offering the opportunity to contribute to the development and implementation of innovative technologies that drive crop improvement. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Contribute to molecular biology activities that support crop transformation and method development projects.
• Use bioinformatic tools to analyse and interpret plant genome sequences and genetic constructs.
• Design and deliver construct cloning, gene editing, and genotyping activities across multiple crop species.
• Utilise light, fluorescence and confocal microscopy techniques, including reporter gene analysis and histochemical staining.
• Develop innovative molecular biology approaches to support crop improvement and precision breeding.
• Share knowledge through scientific reports, presentations, publications and collaborative discussions.
• Line manage senior technical staff and provide training and supervision to students and colleagues.
• Support laboratory management activities and contribute to scientific outreach through demonstrations, presentations and stakeholder engagement.

You will work across laboratory, growth room, glasshouse and office environments at our Park Farm campus. The role involves regular use of laboratory equipment including microscopes and visual displays, exposure to plant material, pollen and dust or compost/soil particles, and occasional manual handling of items up to 25kg.

About You
We are looking for a talented scientist with a strong molecular biology background and a passion for crop improvement.

Essential Requirements

• Degree (BSc or equivalent) in Plant Sciences or a related discipline with a strong molecular biology or biotechnology component
• Strong expertise in molecular biology techniques, including traditional and advanced cloning strategies, expression analysis, and qPCR/dPCR assay design.
• Practical experience of gene editing, from construct design through to analysis of edited plants, ideally within polyploid crop species.
• Experience using bioinformatics tools, genome browsers and gene expression databases.
• Hands-on microscopy experience, including fluorescence and confocal imaging
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft 365 applications and cloning software such as SnapGene.
• Ability to manage workloads both independently and within a team environment.

Desirable Requirements

• PhD in a crop plant-related discipline with a molecular biology, gene editing or precision breeding focus.
• Experience with advanced gene editing technologies, including base or prime editing.
• Knowledge of plant promoter characterisation and reporter assays.
• Strong numeracy and data analysis skills.

Location

The role is based at Niab’s Park Farm Campus, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AT — just 4 miles from Cambridge city centre. The site offers free on site parking and is well connected by cycle routes and regular bus services to the city centre and railway station. It is also close to Junction 32 of the A14, with easy access to the M11, A10 and A11.

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Emma Wallington (emma.wallington@niab.com)

Click link below for the full Job Description.

​ABOUT US

Niab is the UK’s leading crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science, the largest national field trials capability, and strong research links with industry, Government and academia. With headquarters in Cambridge, and regional offices across the country, employing over 350 people across the UK, NIAB advances the role of plant genetic resources through research services and training. Niab’s position at the interface of academic research and commercial breeding offers opportunities for strong collaborations across the plant sciences sector.
Niab actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability.

About the Application Process

Apply by clicking the Apply button above, please read the Job Description, which provide full details about the role, application process and what to expect.

Important Information

• This is a UK-based role. You will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process.
• Where the role meets the relevant criteria, we are able to consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Any offer of sponsorship will be subject to the role meeting the skill and salary thresholds and to the individual meeting the Home Office eligibility criteria.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.
• Niab reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time

Pay: From £35,002.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person