• Full Time
• Norwich, United Kingdom

• 26,000.00 – 38,000.00 £ / Year

Alora

Are you ready to pioneer the future of agriculture in oceanic environments? Join Alora as we use cutting-edge gene editing techniques to create salt-tolerant crop varieties that will grow in the ocean. We are seeking a Molecular Biologist with an innovative mindset and a penchant for optimizing traits to drive ground breaking developments.

Alora is the Ocean Agriculture company, we have designed a way to grow crops in oceanic saltwater. Creating farms floating on the ocean to create truly sustainable agriculture. This is an exciting and dynamic position focused on the future of how we grow our food. We encourage everyone to bring a unique perspective and all their experience to this skilled role. The successful candidate will have an in-depth understanding of plant biology and genetic editing.

Rice is currently the core crop for Alora’s technology, but increasing this to include model organisms such as Brachypodium distachyon or other important crops such as soybean will be a priority in addition to optimising all varieties for yield and additional abiotic stresses. This is a diverse and exciting role with plenty of opportunity.

We are a startup, born in Yorkshire, shaped in San Francisco, cultivated in Ontario, and returning proudly to our roots in the UK. To all motivated questioners ready to be part of the team working to solve world hunger we look forward to meeting you!

Two roles are available:

• Molecular Biologist – Method Development – focuses on the optimisation of our genetic editing and transformation methodologies.
• Molecular Biologist – Genetic Design – focuses on optimising our genetic designs for salt tolerance, including gene selection and our proprietary expression mechanism.

Key responsibilities within both roles:

• Specific to the first role: Optimise transformation methods for high-efficiency gene editing in a variety of crops, starting in rice.
• Specific to the second role: Use bioinformatic tools, such as NGS and sequence analysis, alongside transcriptomic analysis, to identify targets within the genome for trait development.
• Innovate on CRISPR-based methodologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Generate salt-tolerant rice, and other crops, through particle bombardment.
• Perform PCR and RT-qPCR on plant tissue and analyse the results to direct future development.
• Design new experimental routes for optimising traits.
• Collaborate with partners at the John Innes Centre, Earlham Institute, and others across the Norwich Research Park, in addition to partners in Singapore and USA.
• Maintain comprehensive records of all experimental procedures.
• Analyse data with a critical eye, providing insights for ongoing project optimization.
• Stay knowledgeable on the latest developments in molecular biology and crop science.

Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD, or Masters degree plus experience, in Molecular Biology or a related field.
• Proven experience in a laboratory setting, ideally plant biology and a minimum of 3 years experience.
• Ideally, experience in a startup or fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional proficiency with molecular techniques, such as RT-qPCR and NGS.
• Exceptional and demonstrated proficiency of genome editing or modification, including a variety of transformation methodologies.
• Exceptional proficiency with CRISPR-based techniques is ideal.
• Knowledge of epigenetic methodologies is a bonus.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills and an eagerness to find solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Proficiency or familiarity with software-based project management.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proactive work attitude.

This role requires the successful candidate to be on-site for the majority of their time, however on days where you can work from home then there is that option.

Please send an email with the interested role under the subject: “Molecular Biologist-INTERESTED ROLE NAME“, that includes your CV and either a cover letter or a link to an uploaded up to 2-minute video (either unlisted on YouTube, Google Drive, or similar) sharing why you are interested in ALORA and an introduction to why you are the right person for the role.

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• UK visa sponsorship
• Work from home