Job Description
Title: US- Biologics Researcher (Entry)
Location: Chesterfield, MO, 63017 United States
Duration: 12 Months
Payrate: $30 to $ 35.17/aan hr.
Job Summary:
- We are seeking a motivated and skilled Biologics Research Associate to join our R&D team for an exciting one-year discovery project. The role focuses on screening corn germplasm for colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. This position offers the opportunity to work at the interface of plant biology, microbiology, and molecular biology, contributing to cutting-edge research that bridges lab, greenhouse, and field environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Greenhouse Trials: Assist with greenhouse trials to evaluate the performance of corn inoculated with microbial treatments. Responsibilities include planting, maintaining fertilization regimes, supporting measurements, and performing destructive harvesting of plants.
- Microbial Applications: Utilize basic microbiology techniques to grow, quantify, and apply microbial inoculum for plant inoculation.
- Field Sampling: Travel to field sites and collect root samples from diverse corn germplasm.
- Molecular Biology: Conduct standard molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, quantification, and DNA amplification (e.g., qRT-PCR).
- Bioinformatics: Aid in the detection and analysis of target gene variants across corn germplasm.
- Microscopy: Evaluate microbial colonization in plant roots using standard and advanced microscopy methods such as histochemical staining and fluorescence imaging.
- Data Analysis & Presentation: Participate in data collection, analysis, and sharing results with stakeholders across R&D functions.
- Cross-Functional Support: Provide additional support to team members conducting controlled-environment plant physiology trials or laboratory-based microbiology experiments as needed.
- Lab Safety & IP Compliance: Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and contribute to intellectual property protection efforts.
Required Qualifications & Competencies:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience, or Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience, in Plant Physiology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
- Proven experience in at least one but preferably more of the following areas: plant physiology, beneficial plant-microbe interactions, soil microbiology, and/or molecular biology.
- Experience with microscopy techniques (e.g., fluorescence imaging) is highly desirable.
- A strong scientific background in biologics (or related fields) and an ability to integrate interdisciplinary approaches to address research challenges.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for presenting complex findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently, collaborate within a team, and adapt to changing priorities.
- A proactive attitude with a commitment to team success and project fulfillment.
- This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to innovative biologics research and development. If you have a passion for biologics, plant-microbe interactions, and applied molecular biology, we encourage you to apply and join us in unlocking new potential in agriculture.
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