Research Associate, Molecular Team

Research Associate, Molecular Team

Company Description:

Solis Agrosciences delivers a fully integrated AgTech R&D platform that helps innovators systematically de-risk product development, driving faster commercialization from concept to market. 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. As a member of the Molecular team, the Research Associate, 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. This is a full-time, in-person position based in St. Louis, Missouri.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Perform routine extraction and purification of nucleic acids to meet defined QC standards
• Perform routine plant molecular assays for transgene copy number, expression analysis, qPCR, NGS library preparation, and other molecular biology methods as required
• Perform gene-edited plant molecular analysis to determine editing efficiency
• Design plant transformation vectors and create Agrobacterium strains
• 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:

• Bachelor’s 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, qPCR, cloning (in bacteria and Agrobacterium), and vector design
• Direct, hands-on experience with common 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 laboratoryy
• Familiarity with gene-editing in plants
• Familiarity with LEAN, 5S or other process improvement approaches
• Familiarity with Benchling software

Benefits:

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

Application Question(s):

• Will you now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?
• When is your availability to start?
• Desired salary range:

Location:

• St. Louis, MO 63132 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person