Job Opportunity: Innovation Pilot Lead
2Blades is seeking a highly motivated Scientist/Senior Scientist to join the 2Blades Lab at The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) in Norwich to execute specific innovation piloting efforts. This position offers an exciting opportunity to develop innovative technologies, methods, and proof-of-concept solutions that support’s the organization’s mission to advance disease resistance and other valuable traits in crops and accelerate their translation into commercial applications. Applicants should have a strong interest in agriculture and biotechnology and a passion for applying scientific discoveries to real-world challenges. The ideal candidate will be curiosity-driven, with an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset, a track record of developing practical solutions to complex problems, and a willingness to explore unconventional approaches and take calculated risks in technology development.
Role Overview
The successful candidate will work closely with scientists and business development manager across the 2Blades laboratories at The Sainsbury Laboratory (UK) and the University of Minnesota (USA) to identify and address market-driven challenges in crop protection and trait development. The role will focus on designing, building, and validating innovative technologies, methods, and proof-of-concept solutions that address industry needs and enable new products and approaches. Drawing on expertise in molecular biology, technology development, high- throughput experimentation, computational approaches, and AI-driven tools, the successful candidate will tackle challenging biological and technical problems and translate ideas into practical solutions. Working with a high degree of independence, they will drive projects from concept to implementation, manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams to deliver practical, scalable solutions.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
PhD in plant biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, computational biology, or a relatedndiscipline.
Strong expertise in molecular biology and experimental design.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement novel technologies, methods, assays, or workflows.
Strong computational and data analysis skills, including the application of bioinformatic and AI-driven tools.
Broad understanding of modern molecular and computational approaches, including applications of protein engineering and structural biology.
Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for innovation, evaluate emerging technologies, and translate ideas into practical solutions.
Excellent critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to work independently and drive projects from concept to implementation.
Commitment to maintaining high standards of data quality, record-keeping, and laboratory practice.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
Experience with high-throughput experimentation, automation, or assay development.
Experience applying AI or advanced computational approaches to biological research.
Experience working with commercial partners or translating research into applied outcomes.
Experience with crop improvement, plant-pathogen interactions, or agricultural biotechnology.
Experience with transient expression systems, including protoplast assays.
Additional Essential Requirements
Ability to maintain confidentiality and ensure the security of sensitive information where appropriate.
Adherence to the organisation’s core values of trust, accountability, creativity, and excellence.
Salary will be within the UEA Grade 7 salary scale between £38,784 and £47,389 per annum, depending on qualifications, skills, and experience. Applicants who require visa sponsorship may be eligible, subject to individual assessment and UK immigration requirements.
This is initially being offered as a two year contract with possibility of extension.
The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) is a world leader in plant and microbial science that is dedicated to making fundamental discoveries in the science of plant-microbe interactions. TSL has expanded its scientific mission not only to continue providing fundamental biological insights into plant-pathogen interactions, but also to deliver novel, genomics-based solutions that will significantly reduce losses from major crop diseases, especially in developing countries.
2Blades is USA based charitable organization that advances solutions to crop losses by merging cutting-edge scientific discovery with delivery in the field, contributing to a more resilient, sustainable, and productive global food supply. 2Blades establishes and manages development programs addressing significant unsolved crop disease problems and delivers outcomes to downstream implementation partners. It conducts these programs in its own laboratories and in collaboration with leading research institutions around the world. For more information please visit www.2Blades.org
We offer 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme and the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge. We are located on an attractive campus offering cultural and recreational activities. We are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and we provide a supportive working environment for all colleagues.
If you wish to discuss this vacancy please contact Human Resources HR@tsl.ac.uk
Please apply online at http://www.tsl.ac.uk/opportunities/ by sending a formal application, quoting the reference code below. Applicants should provide a CV, including the names and contact details of two or more referees, and a covering letter of no more than one A4 addressing the selection criteria.
Reference Code: KW03/2026
Closing Date: 3rd August 2026