Plant Organelle Scientist
CDD Saint-Ouen (Seine-Saint-Denis)
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 enhancing crops & recalcitrant plants through advanced genetic engineering. This role is pivotal for driving innovation in plant transformation, particularly in challenging, recalcitrant species. Utilizing expertise in plant organelle biology to optimize genetic outcomes.
Objective:
You will lead and execute research projects focused on the stable transformation of agriculturally important, recalcitrant plant species. Leveraging deep understanding of plant organelles (chloroplasts & mitochondria) genetics, and transformation strategies to improve trait integration and expression.
Main missions (but not limited to) :
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Design constructs for organelles transformation, validation, and downstream analysis of transformants.
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Develop, optimize, and maintain plant in vitro culture protocols
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Design and execute plant genetic transformation experiments, Biolistic, Agrobacterium-mediated, protoplast transfection, or novel methods.
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Generate, select and regenerate transgenic plants across diverse species, ensuring high efficiency and reproducibility.
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Maintain sterile culture conditions and resolve contamination issues or bottlenecks related to regeneration.
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Document experimental protocols, results, and data analyses in compliance with GLP, biosafety, and intellectual property guidelines.
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Train and mentor scientists or technicians
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Contribute to cross-functional projects by providing technical expertise and innovative solutions to plant trait development challenges.
Key Techniques:
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Plant tissue culture and regeneration for diverse and recalcitrant species.
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Advanced genetic transformation methodologies (e.g., Agrobacterium-mediated, biolistics, protoplast) for nuclear and organelle (plastid / chloroplast & mitochondria) genomes.
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Isolation, purification, and manipulation of plant organelles (chloroplasts, mitochondria).
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Molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, cloning, sequencing).
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Genome editing tools (CRISPR / Cas; TALEN) application and optimization in non-model plants.
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Microscopy and live-cell imaging for studying organelle dynamics and integration of transgenes.
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.
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Mücho (lunch vouchers): 10 per day worked - 60% paid by the company
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Healthy snacks and fruit in the office
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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: June 2026
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.
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Ph.D. or M.Sc . in Plant Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.
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3 to 5+ years of hands-on experience in plant organelles
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Experience in plant cell culture and protoplast manipulation of non-model plants
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Experience in plant in-vitro tissue culture and transformation of non- model plants (callus, regeneration, micropropagation)
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Deep expertise in molecular biology, plant organelles, plant cell biology and plant physiology
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Experience with Agrobacterium-mediated and biolistic transformation methods.
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Expertise in CRISPR-Cas9 or TALEN mediated plant genetic editing.
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Ability to work autonomously with little or no supervision
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Proactive and action-driven mindset
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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 (on site)
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