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:
Education:
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