Job Description
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, PLANT TRANSFORMATION TEAM
Company Description
Solis Agrosciences is a growing AgTech company providing product design and enabling technology platform services to support plant science companies and researchers in accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and commercialization. We are located in the 39 North Ag Biotech district of St. Louis, Missouri.
Role Description
We are currently seeking a qualified candidate to join our Plant Transformation team as a Research Associate. The successful candidate will be experienced in routine techniques and technologies used in the transformation of various plant species. The Research Associate will work primarily at the bench collaborating closely with other biologists in a team-oriented, energetic, and cross-functional atmosphere. The selected candidate will execute experiments that deliver high quality data to our customers.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Conduct plant transformation experiments in relevant plant species including soybean, corn, tomato and Arabidopsis
- Maintain detailed and organized records of project data and other materials.
- Communicate research progress and results regularly, clearly and in an actionable manner to team members and company leadership.
- Prepare plant tissue culture media according to established recipes
- Follow all laboratory SOPs and document experiments accordingly
- Analyze data and compile detailed summary reports
- Assist with other laboratory tasks, as needed, such as plant tissue sampling and/or planting/harvesting in the greenhouse
- Contribute to routine laboratory cleanliness and organization; follow all laboratory safety and compliance protocols
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in a relevant field (Plant Biology, Biotechnology, etc.) with 1-3 years relevant experience OR equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
- Demonstrated experience with plant tissue culture techniques, including explant preparation, Agrobacterium preparation, aseptic technique, subculturing of explants, plant regeneration on sterile media
- Knowledge of and experience with general laboratory best practices
- Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of experimental data and procedures
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
- Ability to function both independently and as a part of a team under tight timelines in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrates a high level of attention to detail and precision
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in an ag biotech industry setting, preferably within a plant transformation production laboratory
- Highly agile and able to multitask, change course or take on new assignments as needed to meet timelines and deliver results
- Knowledge of the biology of Agrobacterium
- Familiarity with molecular biology, plant gene expression and transformation vector technologies.
- Familiarity with LEAN, 5S or other process improvement approaches
- Familiarity with project management tools such as Smartsheet and electronic laboratory data management software such as ELN and LIMS
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person