Portfolio Careers

Discover opportunities across our network
of transformational companies.

Research Scientist: Technology Development (12-month Fixed Term Contract)

Tropic Biosciences

Tropic Biosciences

IT
Norfolk, VA, USA
Posted on Jul 11, 2025

Are you available for a 12-month contract and looking for a new challenge within a fast-paced laboratory and greenhouse environment? Why not join a passionate and supportive team where you’ll build valuable technical skills and be part of pioneering work in genome-editing innovation.

Role Purpose

Tropic’s Technology Development team uses state-of-the-art genome-editing tools to develop tropical crops with novel traits. The team works at the interface between molecular biology, plant transformation, bioassay development and bioinformatics and we are looking for a Research Scientist to support trait enablement projects in rice on a 12-month fixed term contract. Alongside supporting bioassay development, this role provides an excellent opportunity to engage with genome-editing technologies and a diverse set of tissue culture and molecular biology techniques.

Key Responsibilities

As a Research Scientist your primary responsibilities will be experiment planning, execution (including working in greenhouse spaces), analysis and communicating your results to the highest standards. In detail these responsibilities are:

  • Manage key project modules, working to a defined scientific plan and facilitating successful outcomes – with a particular focus on Tropic’s GEiGS® technology development.
  • Support the wider team to develop novel bioassays to demonstrate our technology in different crop/pest systems.
  • Execute a wide variety of protocols to a high-quality standard, following your training and SOPs closely.
  • Keep accurate records of your work and results.
  • Collaborate across multiple projects to help the team reach their goals
  • Train and support other team members as needed

Requirements

Essential

  • PhD in a relevant field or BSc/MSc in Plant Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology, or any other related discipline and 2+ years’ experience working in a research environment (academic or commercial)
  • Molecular Biology and /or plants transformation expertise, especially genome editing experiments.
  • Proven track record of designing, running and leading on the technical delivery of the research projects.
  • Great team player, comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
  • Proficiency in working with large datasets and using data analysis tools (including statistics).
  • Strong communication skills within the team and with external and internal collaborators
  • Motivated self-starter with strong troubleshooting and critical thinking skills.

Desirable

  • Experience working in a commercial research environment
  • Experience in supervising or managing research technicians/students
  • Experience of any disciplines relevant to GEiGS® (RNAi, gene editing)
  • Hands on experience working with rice plants in greenhouse facilities.

About Us

Tropic is one of the world’s leading agricultural gene-editing companies. Our team is dedicated to the development and commercialization of high-performing varieties of tropical crops to provide significant benefits to growers, processors and consumers globally, tackling real-world problems around food security and sustainability.

Our vision is to become a leading seed business with significant ownership of its products from the laboratory to the field, while maintaining constructive relationships with growers and consumers based on transparency and trust.

Why Join Tropic?

  • Diverse workforce operating in a dynamic working environment
  • Excellent learning and career development opportunities
  • Social events throughout the year
  • Competitive compensation and benefits including: Private Medical Insurance, Medical Cash Plan, 25 days annual leave, Group Income Protection and Life Assurance

Further Information

  • Job Location – Norwich UK
  • Time Requirement – Full Time
  • Contract – 12-Month Fixed Term
  • Closing date – 27/7/2025