Anaerobic Biochemist

Job description

About

Neoplants is a biotechnology start-up led by Patrick (PhD in Genetic Editing, ENS), using genetic engineering to empower plants to have a positive impact, both in our lives and on our planet. We are starting by creating indoor plants with new-to-nature traits, both functional and aesthetics. We are now leverage our know-how and technologies to create plants that address the problem of climate change at scale. Neoplants is backed by leading European and Silicon Valley investors and is based in the Paris region.

Our mission: to place nature at the heart of our innovations to trigger positive change for a sustainable future.

Job Description

Who we are?

Neoplants is a biotech start-up, using cutting-edge synthetic biology techniques to develop the next generation of plants for the benefit of humans and our planet. We have set up a brand-new lab located in Saint-Ouen, where our R&D team is turning incredible visions into real-world products.

Working with us means interacting with our scientists in biochemistry, molecular biology, plant transgenesis, genome editing and microbiome enhancement. You will get to exercise your creative thinking, team spirit and leadership capabilities by experiencing work in an ultra fast-moving environment. You will also help bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to our projects.

If you are as excited as we are about using state of the art technologies, exploring uncharted scientific territories, pushing the boundaries of what is conceivable, if you want to transform the way people think about genetics and work on inspiring deep-tech products that have a real positive impact on the environment and people’s lives, you’re in the right place.

About this role

Context:

Neoplants is seeking a highly skilled and motivated scientist to join our team focused on engineering biological nitrogen fixation pathways into plants and bacteria as well as optimizing nitrogenase activity. This role is pivotal for driving innovation in synthetic biology, protein expression / purification, and biochemical characterization of complex enzyme systems, particularly the nitrogenase enzyme.

Objective:

To lead and execute research projects focused on the expression, purification, characterization, and optimization of nitrogenase and associated components in heterologous systems ( E. coli ) and for subsequent deployment in plant systems. This includes developing and performing robust anaerobic biochemical assays.

Main missions (but not limited to) :

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Design and optimize genetic constructs for heterologous expression of nitrogenase components and accessory proteins in microbial hosts ( E. coli ).

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Develop and implement protocols for strict anaerobic growth and manipulation of relevant microbial strains.

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Establish, optimize, and perform in vitro anaerobic activity assays (ammonia production) for nitrogenase components.

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Purify and characterize nitrogenase proteins and accessory factors, ensuring structural integrity and functionality under anaerobic conditions.

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Assess nitrogenase activity and expression in plant systems and engineered microbial co-cultures.

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Document experimental protocols, results, and data analyses in compliance with GLP, biosafety, and intellectual property guidelines.

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Become the go to person for setting anaerobic techniques and biochemical assays.

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Contribute to cross-functional projects by providing technical expertise in protein biochemistry and anaerobic enzymology.

Key Techniques:

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Strict anaerobic microbiology techniques and manipulation ( glove box, anaerobic chambers).

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High-yield protein expression (e.g., E. coli) and multi-step protein purification (Akta system).

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Development and execution of quantitative anaerobic enzyme activity assays (Ammonia detection).

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Detailed biochemical and biophysical characterization of purified proteins (SDS-PAGE, Western blot, spectroscopy).

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Genetic editing tools (CRISPR/Cas) for microbial strain engineering.

· 
Yeast mitochondrial transformation and recombinant protein expression.

Why join us?

Contribute to global innovation by collaborating with world-class experts in their field, learn from the founders, and get regular updates on everything happening in the company through monthly company-wide meetings.

Join an innovative startup where you can make an impact and at any position in the company

Participate in recurring company events, such as our annual kick-off, offsite seminar, after-work, celebrations every month, team activities like escape games or go-karting

Come work in our brand new Neolab, ‘The Seed’: A unique 1,200m2 space on two floors featuring a state-of-the-art wetlab, full-scale performance testing rooms among other high-end equipment, as well as open offices and great team spaces!

Enjoy great benefits:

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Competitive compensation

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Transportation (Navigo card or bike pass): 100% reimbursed.

· 
Mücho (lunch vouchers): 10 per day worked - 60% paid by the company

· 
Healthy snacks and fruit in the office

· 
Your own Mac Book pro

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Personalized little attentions

Other information about the role:

Office location: The Seed, 47 Rue du Docteur Léonce Basset, 93400 Saint-Ouen

Starting date: June2026

Preferred Experience

We are looking for passionate and talented experts to help us lay the foundations of what will become the next range of biotechnology products.

· 
Ph.D. or M.Sc . in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Synthetic Biology, or related discipline with a focus on enzymology.

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3 to 5+ years of hands-on experience working with oxygen-sensitive enzymes, specifically Nitrogenase.

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Extensive experience with strict anaerobic microbial growth and handling techniques.

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Proven expertise in high-yield recombinant protein expression and multi-step purification from microbial systems.

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Deep expertise in protein biochemistry, enzyme kinetics, and assay development under anaerobic conditions.

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Experience in assessing nitrogenase activity / expression in planta or complex biological systems is highly desirable.

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Ability to work autonomously with little or no supervision

· 
Proactive and action-driven mindset

· 
Proficiency in English

Recruitment Process

Recruitment process

1 HR intro 'get-to-know' interview (visio)

2 Technical interview focusing Role-Related Knowledge (visio)

3 Technical interview focusing on General Cognitive Ability (case study - on site or visio)

4 Leadership and Karma interview (on site)

5 Culture fit interview, Meet the team & visit the Seed ( onsite)

Sounds like an opportunity for you?   Join Neoplants and help us cultivate a greener, healthier future for everyone.

We get a lot of applications so don’t shy away but surprise us ;)

Neoplants values diversity within its organization and in its relationships with its stakeholders. Thus, with equal skills, we study all applications without any discrimination.

Additional Information

·  Contract Type: Full-Time
·  Start Date: 01 June 2026
·  Location: Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine
·  Education Level: PhD and more
·  Experience: > 5 years
·  Occasional remote authorized