Applied Plant Scientist – KTP Associate

The Applied Plant Scientist – KTP Associate will lead research within a collaborative KTP project between Royal Holloway, University of London and Eden Research plc. Working primarily at Eden Research in Oxfordshire, the Associate will play a key role in advancing innovative seed technology and supporting environmentally friendly approaches to sustainable agriculture and food security. The Associate will be instrumental in bridging academic research and industry application, working on cutting-edge solutions to develop and optimise novel seed treatments – enhancing crop resilience, improving performance, and supporting more sustainable agricultural systems.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Conduct research and experiments on seed treatments for various crops.
• Focus on physiological, morphological, biochemical, and technological aspects of seed development.
• Collaborate with Eden Research and RHUL’s Seed Lab.
• Maintain detailed records of experimental data and ensure good lab practice.
• Analyse and archive data; prepare publications.
• Present progress at KTP Local Management Committee (LMC) meetings every 4 months.
• Work within Eden Research’s professional environment and adhere to company policies

Skills, experience and attributes

Essential

• PhD in Plant Science, Seed Biology, Entomology, or related field.
• Experience in lab work, experimental design, and conducting experiments.
• Strong communication skills (written and oral).
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and meet deadlines.
• Good computer skills.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to travel for field trials (UK and internationally).

Desirable

• Expertise in applied plant science, seed testing, or plant-insect interactions.
• Interest in sustainable technologies and food security.
• Experience with seed coating, bioassays, field studies, or statistical analysis.
• Ability to communicate science to non-specialist audiences.
• Experience bridging academic research and commercial innovation.

In return, we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Training and Development opportunities
• A training and development budget of £6000
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing.
• Free parking
• Free EV charging (at company site)

Part funded by Innovate UK, this collaborative project between Royal Holloway, University of London and Eden Research plc. aims to advance sustainable farming by developing terpene-based, bird-repellent seed treatments for crops. The project will focus on crops at risk from bird attack, validating results through comprehensive field trials, ensuring effective, eco-friendly solutions to enhance food security and reduce food losses.