Postdoctoral Research Associate

Full-Time, Fixed-Term to 30 November 2028

Applications are invited for the post of Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Biological Sciences.

About the Role. We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Department of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London, working with Professor Alessandra Devoto, in collaboration with SYNGENTA Jealott’s Hill, on the exciting research project “Plant Cell Libraries”. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative research in plant synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, focusing on the development and characterisation of engineered plant cell cultures and whole plants. The successful candidate will lead experimental research using physiological, biochemical, imaging and multi-omics approaches, applying iterative design–build–test–learn strategies to advance plant engineering. Working collaboratively within a dynamic research environment, the post holder will contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and the wider development of the research programme.

Qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience. You will have a PhD (or be close to completion) in Plant Biology, Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related discipline, together with a strong research background in plant molecular cell biology and plant in vitro culture. You will have practical experience in plant cell and tissue culture, genetic transformation, selection and screening, and molecular cloning techniques, alongside skills in experimental design, data analysis and interpretation. Experience in preparing biological samples for high-throughput genomics, microscopy and related bioinformatics analyses would be advantageous. You will also demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organisational and time management abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively. Your ability to maintain accurate research records, present complex scientific information to different audiences and support the mentoring of students and colleagues will be important to the successful delivery of the project.

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

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Training and Development opportunities
• 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

The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated, near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Prof Alessandra Devoto on Alessandra.Devoto@rhul.ac.uk or +44 (0)1784 443184.

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk

Please quote the reference: 1026-357

Closing Date: 23:59, 13 November 2026

Interview Date: 18 November 2026 (due to the timescales involved, we are unable to accommodate requests to reschedule this date)

Start date: 1 December 2026