Applied Plant Scientist - KTP Associate

Right to work: Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. 

Full-Time, Fixed-Term (36 months)

Applications are invited for the post of a KTP Associate in Applied Plant Science (full-time, fixed term: 36 months), as part of an exciting Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK. This collaborative project, undertaken by Royal Holloway University of London and Eden Research plc, aims to advance innovative seed technology and support environmentally friendly approaches to sustainable agriculture and food security. The Associate will play a key role 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. The postholder will be seconded to Eden Research (Milton Park, Oxfordshire), working within their R&D team while receiving academic supervision and support from the university. As part of the KTP scheme, the Associate will have access to a ring-fenced training and development budget of £6000, offering a unique opportunity to gain commercial experience, develop leadership skills, and grow professionally within the agri-tech sector.

You will have a background in Plant Science or a related biological discipline, with a strong interest in applying your knowledge to real-world agricultural challenges. Experience in seed science, seed technology, or plant secondary metabolites would be an advantage, but is not essential. More important is a willingness to learn and engage with these topics as part of a multidisciplinary project. You will demonstrate good laboratory practice, be highly organised, and confident in managing and interpreting experimental data. Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset are key, as you will be working closely with both academic and industry partners. Some experience with presenting research in meetings, workshops, or conferences is desirable. Basic IT skills and a keen interest in field-based work, including visiting crop trials, are important for this role. We are looking for someone with initiative, curiosity, and the potential to grow into a future leader at the interface of science and innovation. This role offers excellent opportunities for personal development, with skills that are highly transferable across both academic and industry careers. 

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

• 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
• Free EV charging (at company site) 

The post is based at Eden Research plc in Milton Park, Oxfordshire (in between Didcot and Abingdon). Eden Research plc is an agile company recently invigorated by significant capital investment from new and existing shareholders. The Company develops and supplies sustainable solutions for challenges in crop protection, animal health and consumer products based upon two key technology platforms: plant-derived active ingredients with a broad range of biological activity and a patented microencapsulation technology derived from yeast extract.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr Tina Steinbrecher on tina.steinbrecher@rhul.ac.uk. To learn more about the company involved, visit https://www.edenresearch.com and LinkedIn for their latest news.

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

Please quote the reference: 0825-177

Closing Date: 14 September 2025 

Interview Date: To be confirmed

This position is not eligible for hybrid working.

Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page.