Principal Scientist: Cell Biology & Genome Editing

Principal Scientist - Cell Biology and Gene Editing

Innovation Oasis

Science and Research

Plant Genetics

Direct

Reports To:

Sr. Research Manager:
Gene Editing & Cell Biology

The Center of Excellence for Abiotic Resilience and Crop Genomics (ARC-Gen) is a partnership between Silal, the UAE’s leading agri-food and technology company, and Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS), the world leader in Vegetable Seeds. This partnership is aiming to develop a world class research facility in UAE with state-of-the-art capabilities in plant physiology and gene editing, with the ultimate goal of enhancing crops’ ability to withstand extreme conditions such as heat, drought, and salinity.

As a Principle Scientist in Cell Biology & Genome editing, you will contribute to the development of the GE-Research Unit at ARC-Gen. You will manage research projects in plant cell biology, tissue regeneration, delivery systems, and advanced genome editing methodologies.

This position plays a pivotal role in supporting the development of genome-edited plants designed to withstand abiotic stress in arid and desert-like growing conditions.

Your work will contribute directly to global priorities such as food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience.

• Explore, adopt and implement state-of-the-art technologies in plant cell biology and genome editing.
• Develop novel tools and methodologies for cellular studies.
• Investigate plant cell and tissue developmental processes using advanced microscopy and cell biology techniques.
• Optimize protocols for gene delivery and transformation in SILAL strategic vegetable crops.
• Design and implement genome editing strategies using CRISPR/Cas9 and other genetic engineering tools.
• Contribute to functional genomics studies to elucidate gene functions and regulatory networks related to abiotic stresses.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (geneticists, bioinformaticians, trait experts, pre-breeders) to integrate cell biology findings with genomic data.
• Work closely with trait experts for rapid assessment of plant performance.
• Present research findings internally and at scientific conferences contribute to publications.
• Project Leadership & Management:
• Propose, design, and manage research projects independently.
• Act as an expert in your domain and collaborate across research areas for timely delivery.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement to accelerate research processes.
• Ensure efficient transfer of deliverables and know-how to end users.
• Participate in building collaborations with world-class experts and maintain cutting-edge knowledge in the field.
• Financial Management:
• Contribute to project budgeting and research workplan development.
• People Management:
• Mentor and supervise technicians in best practices for technology use.
• Stakeholder Management:
• Key Internal Stakeholders:
  All Sectors, Departments and Offices.
• Any other concerned internal stakeholders as required.
• Key External Stakeholders:
  Concerned government, semi-government and private sector entities.
• Any other concerned external stakeholders as required.

• Ph.D. in Plant Cell Biology, Plant Biotechnology, or related field.
• Fluent in English.

• Professional Experience of a minimum of 12+ Years.
• Deep understanding of genome editing principles and molecular biology.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools for guide RNA design and off-target analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving and data analysis skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory constraints and quality processes.
• Experience with in vitro plant culture and genetic transformation (monocots and dicots) is a plus.

• Strategic CRISPR Design:
  Designing and implementing advanced genome editing strategies (CRISPR/Cas9, base/prime editing) for trait discovery. (Expert)
• Complex Delivery & Transformation:
  Optimizing high-efficiency gene delivery protocols specifically for strategic vegetable crop species. (Expert)
• Subcellular Developmental Imaging:
  Investigating plant tissue processes through advanced microscopy and functional cellular studies. (Expert)
• Regulatory Network Elucidation:
  Using functional genomics to map and manipulate the gene networks governing abiotic responses. (Expert)
• Integrated Trait Assessment:
  Collaborating across bioinformatics and pre-breeding to rapidly validate the field-readiness of edited genotypes. (Expert)