At Neoplants, R&D team is constantly interested in developing new techniques & technologies.

As Biotechnology Junior Engineer intern - Genetic scaffold in plants at Neoplants, you will work on the development of a new resistance selection marker for nuclear transformation of Golden Pothos.

Context:

The optimum expression of a complex metabolic pathway in a plant is currently a challenge as it is influenced by numerous factors such as the genes sequences, mRNA stability, codon bias, protein folding, stability and post translational modification. But the first elements that come into play are the genetic regulatory elements, such as promoters and terminators. For the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana there are an extensive number of publications describing the relative efficiencies of such regulatory elements. However these elements are always tested in a specific context which can affect the results and always in low complexity context (1 or 2 genes).

At Neoplants, we design complex metabolic pathways with more than ten genes to improve plants. We then move these pathways into plants that scientists know little about, adding more complexity. To make the pathway work well, we have to try many different regulatory elements and figure out the right combination through trial and error. If we don’t get it right, even one poorly expressed gene can reduce how well the entire pathway works

In this context we aim to develop a dedicated AI model to drastically increase the speed of iteration of our products. However, in order to do so, an extensive and qualitative set of data is needed.

Objective:

Generate high quality data on genetic regulatory elements in N. benthamiana in order to train our AI model.

• Define the best screening method for high throughput experiments (STARR-seq1 - in-vivo 96 well plate2)

• Design the experimental process and workflow

• Build the plasmids libraries

• Perform transient N. benthamiana transformation and screen

• Enter the data and results on our LIMS (Benchling)

Key Techniques:

• Golden Gate Cloning: to clone the various genetic elements in plasmids

• NGS sequencing (Oxford Nanorpore): to validate the plasmids sequences

• N. benthamiana agroinfiltration: perform transient transformation assays to express the reporter genes and assess the regulatory elements parameters

• Fluorescence imaging (microscopy / plate reader):  Quantify the level of expression of reporter genes

• Data analysis & statistics: analyze the results and update them in our LIMS to have the data ready to train and AI model on

You will also get the chance to discover the working environment of an R&D lab in a dynamic and vibrant startup.

Project Title: Genetic Scaffold Data for AI

Project Leader: Jérôme Bodin

We are looking for passionate, and talented students to help us lay the foundations of what will become the next range of biotechnology products that people interact with everyday.

If you are a highly motivated and organized student with a solid background in data analysis, genetic, sequencing and or cloning, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Professional English skills required.

⭐️ Shared values: Team spirit, Positive impact, Excellence, Humility

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:

• Competitive compensation

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

• Swile (lunch vouchers): 10€ per day worked - 55% paid by the company

• Healthy snacks and fruit in the office

• Your own Mac Book pro

• Personalized little attentions

Other information about the role:

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

Starting date: The sooner the better :)

1️⃣ HR intro & culture fit interview (visio)

2️⃣ Role-Related Knowledge interview (on site or visio)

3️⃣ 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.