Job Description

Laboratory Technician

The Company

Phytoform is a US-UK company working on improving crop varieties with the help of new breeding technologies and artificial intelligence. We are a multidisciplinary team looking to enhance crop species to be in pair with a sustainable future. We are at a pivotal time in the agri-tech industry where the projects developed today in this sector will define the world of tomorrow. The company is currently in the seeding stage with exciting growth plans over the next few years and is looking for a dedicated Research Technician to join our technical support team.

The Role

If you are looking for a fast-paced environment, new challenges and like working with a multidisciplinary team, then this job is for you. You will be responsible for regular maintenance of sterile plant material, media preparation for various workflows, plasmid preps, maintaining general laboratory consumables for the wet-lab and on occasion performing molecular work. If you have previously been part of an academic or industry team, but now would like to work in a start-up environment then you would be a great fit.

In this role, you will:

Assist in various areas of laboratory maintenance, cleaning and tidying of lab areas, calibration of equipment, waste management and ensure a smooth running of the laboratory Prepare various types of bacterial and plant growth media for laboratory use across various projects Keep labs stocked with laboratory consumables, including sterilised plastic-ware and glass-ware Give technical support to develop horticultural and field crops, including genetically modified and genome edited plant material Maintain sterile tissue culture of a number of crop species (e.g. tomato, potato) Assist in DNA and RNA extraction from plant material as well as bacterial DNA plasmid preps and perform sample quality control Work together with team members to ensure adherence to all local H&S rules & regulations

Requirements

BSc Plant Sciences, Biology or a related subject. Anyone with relevant experience in a biology lab is welcome to apply. Experience in sterile working practices, preparing and maintaining media stocks. Experience of working with plants in a sterile laboratory environment. Practical experience of laboratory technician/biological scientific research work. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrable numeracy skills. Exceptional attention to detail, precision and accuracy, documentation skills and accurate record keeping. Great organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise, organise and coordinate a range of tasks simultaneously. The ability to follow written protocols and instructions. A flexible and proactive approach to work, working under your own initiative, working out of hours if required. Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office Word and Excel. A team player with an enthusiasm for working in a busy and evolving environment.

You get extra points if you:

Have experience of molecular techniques including cloning and plasmid preparation Can demonstrate a strong record of laboratory experience and using a Laboratory Management System. If you bring experience of self-directed, multidisciplinary laboratory work that would be great. Can demonstrate a record of using project management software. Have practical experience with plant tissue culture, more so if also with glasshouse/CE plant growth. Have experience growing plants in an industry R&D operation Share our passion for sustainability

What we offer

Competitive salary Share of value you create through Employee Stock Option Plan Private medical insurance Great working environment in a multidisciplinary team A flexible working arrangement: early or late working with core hours of 10am-4pm Access to a gym & tennis courts Cycle to work scheme

Location:

Harpenden, London, United Kingdom

Job Type:

Full-time, Permanent, on-site

Visa status:

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Start Date:

As soon as possible

Application Deadline:

June 2025

Interviews:

Rolling basis

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 28,880.00-32,604.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee stock ownership plan Free parking On-site parking Private medical insurance
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Experience:

biology lab: 1 year (preferred) working with plants in a sterile laboratory environment: 1 year (preferred) sterile working practices, preparing media stocks: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person