Research Associate, Molecular Team

Job Description

Research Associate, Molecular Team

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 routine techniques and technologies used in the molecular characterization of gene-edited and/or transgenic plants. The Research Associate, as a member of the Molecular team, will work primarily at the bench, collaborating closely with other cell and molecular biologists in a team-oriented, energetic, and cross-functional atmosphere, to execute experiments that deliver high quality data to our customers.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Perform routine extraction and purification of nucleic acids to meet defined QC standards
• Perform transgenic plant molecular analyses to determine transgene copy number, expression
• level, and heritability, including PCR, Western Blot, and other molecular biology methods as required
• Perform gene-edited plant molecular analysis to determine editing efficiency, zygosity of
• resulting plants, and confirmation of no foreign DNA
• Perform routine bioinformatics analysis for primer design, guide design, and sequence analysis
• Follow all SOPs and document experiments accordingly
• Analyze data and compile detailed summary reports
• Develop and validate molecular assays as needed
• 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 to team members and company leadership
• Maintain detailed and organized records of project data and other materials as needed, including inventories of plasmids, bacterial strains, and glycerol stocks
• Contribute to routine laboratory cleanliness and organization; follow all laboratory safety and compliance protocols

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in a relevant field (Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biology, Biotechnology, etc.)
• Direct, hands-on experience with the design and execution of basic molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction and quantification, PCR, gel electrophoresis, qPCR, cloning (in bacteria and Agrobacterium), and vector design
• Direct, hands-on experience with common Bioinformatics tools used in routine molecular biology applications, such as primer design, guide design, sequence analysis and annotation, and plasmid map construction
• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an agbiotech industry setting, preferably within a production laboratory
• Familiarity with gene-editing in plants
• Familiarity with LEAN, 5S or other process improvement approaches
• Familiarity with Smartsheet and Benchling software

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Required)

Experience:

• Vector design: 1 year (Required)
• Molecular biology: 1 year (Required)
• PCR: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Saint Louis, MO 63132: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person