Crop Innovation Scientist

Company Overview:

Solis Agrosciences is the trusted partner for high-quality AgTech research services. We generate gene-edited and transgenic crops, plant phenotype and efficacy data, and individually tailored research solutions for our startup and corporate customers. Solis’ highly trained and industry-experienced scientists operate in state-of-the-art facilities in the 39 North Ag Biotech district of St. Louis, Missouri.

Position Summary:

The successful candidate will be an expert in plant transformation techniques and technologies used in creating gene-edited and/or transgenic plants. The Crop Innovation Scientist, as a member of the Molecular team, will work primarily at the bench, collaborating closely with our transformation team members, plant growth team members, and molecular biologists in a team-oriented, energetic, and cross-functional atmosphere, to execute experiments that expand our capabilities and service offerings for our customers. This role demands a balance of innovation and practical focus. You will need to explore new ideas and discoveries while maintaining a realistic, organized approach. 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Perform tissue culture and transformation experiments at the bench by making media, preparing explants, subculturing explants, sampling, screening tissue with various assays, and interpreting results

• Research new methods and develop protocols for new crops by reading literature, consulting with experts, and deliver strategic experimental plans to onboard new technologies

• Develop hypotheses for protocol and process improvement and highlight the impact in terms of quality, time, and cost-saving

• Prioritize experiments and research to have largest impact on business outcomes

• Transition findings to production teams by developing standard operating procedures, training staff, and refining protocols to make them scalable

• Cultivate a strong partnership between the new capability development team and the transformation team by sharing project goals, coordinating shared resources, and collaborating effectively on mutual objectives

• Attend conferences and develop connections to stay at the forefront of gene editing and crop improvement technologies

• Assist with other laboratory tasks, as needed, such as plant tissue sampling and/or protoplast transient assays

• Communicate research progress and results regularly, clearly, and in an actionable manner toteam members and company leadership

• Maintain detailed and organized records of project data and other materials as needed, including inventories of seeds, cultures, plants and key experimental metrics

• Contribute to routine laboratory cleanliness and organization; follow all laboratory safety and compliance protocols

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree in a relevant field (Plant Biology, Plant Science, Cell Biology, Biology, Biotechnology, etc.) or equivalent skill-level and amount of scientific experience

• Direct, hands-on experience with the design and execution of plant transformation techniques, including media formulation, Agrobacterium culturing, subculturing, plant regeneration

• Direct, hands-on experience doing tissue culture with diverse crops and lines

• Significant experience optimizing new tissue culture protocols

• Experience creating strategic project plans and timelines, demonstrating the ability to deliver against these objectives 

• Independent self-starter able to perform under tight timelines in a fast-moving startup atmosphere

• Highly agile and able to multitask, change course or take on new assignments as needed to meet timelines and deliver high quality results

• Excellent planner, organizer, critical thinker, and problem solver to drive successful outcomes

• Ability to work in an in-person role in St. Louis, MO

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with gene-editing in plants

• Experience with speciality-crop transformation

• Familiarity with intellectual property

• Familiarity with Smartsheet and Benchling software