Job Title
- Plant Scientist – CRISPR Precision Breeding
Location: Tampa, FL Job Type:
Full-time Salary: $70,000–$100,000 per year
Benefits: Health insurance, Paid time off
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Position Overview
Soilcea is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Plant Scientist to support our mission of developing disease-resistant citrus through CRISPR-based precision breeding. This role will play a critical part in advancing our non-GMO citrus improvement pipeline by editing key susceptibility genes associated with bacterial disease resistance.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology, plant transformation, tissue culture, and genome editing technologies. This is a hands-on position with significant bench work, as well as potential opportunities to participate in field data collection and phenotypic analysis. This is a leadership role within a growing and collaborative R&D team based in Tampa, Florida.
Key Responsibilities
? Design and execute experiments related to CRISPR-mediated gene editing in crop plants
? Perform molecular cloning, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and protoplast transfection
? Conduct tissue culture and regeneration of crop plants
? Collect and analyze molecular and phenotypic data, including PCR, qPCR, sequencing, and gene expression assays
? Participate in plant disease assays both in controlled environments and field conditions
? Contribute to field data collection, organization, and statistical analysis
? Coordinate with team members to advance project goals
? Mentor junior team members and contribute to project planning and troubleshooting
Required Qualifications
? Ph.D. in Plant Science, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience
OR
M.S. in a related field with 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience
? Demonstrated expertise in plant genetic transformation and regeneration
? Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis)
? Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific documentation
? Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment Preferred Qualifications
? Experience working with CRISPR-Cas systems in plants
? Prior work with citrus, tomato, potato, or olive
? Experience in an industry R&D setting
About Soilcea
Soilcea is at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology, focused on developing CRISPR-edited citrus varieties resistant to devastating bacterial pathogens. Citrus canker and Huanglongbing (citrus greening) have significantly impacted the Florida citrus industry, reducing yields by over 90% and causing billions in economic losses. Soilcea holds exclusive licenses to foundational CRISPR technologies developed at the University of Florida aimed at solving these challenges through non-GMO precision breeding. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable citrus production.
To Apply
Interested applicants can send your resume and brief explanation of your qualifications to
Plant Scientist - CRISPR Precision Breeding in tampa at Unknown Company
This position is listed as full time and onsite.