Research Associate Genome Editing

Join our team at the KWS Gateway Research Center where we work to strengthen our position in the global plant research community and be an integral part of the KWS network of breeding stations and research activities. We are seeking to recruit at the earliest opportunity a Research Associate for our Genome Editing team on a permanent, full-time basis in St. Louis, MO, USA.  

 

What are we looking for? The Research Associate - Genome Editing has multiple technical skills and can perform assignments that develop their professional work knowledge and abilities. This position demonstrates experience with sterile techniques, transformation, and tissue culture as well as molecular analysis of cells, tissues, plants, and the ability to identify problems and find solutions in the areas of expertise. The Research Associate will apply their knowledge and skills to make a difference in seed technology research, advance knowledge, and improve product development efficiency resulting in a competitive advantage for KWS.

 

Essentials job functions:

• Conduct tissue culture experiments consisting of donor material preparation, transformation, transfer steps, and sampling with high accuracy.
• Maintain a sterile work environment and accurate records of experimental conditions and results.
• Conduct molecular characterization of plant lines – including DNA/RNA isolation and various PCR methods (e.g., qPCR, ddPCR).
• Follow established workflows for specific methods within an experiment, manage individual timelines to match shifting demands.
• Comply with work instructions that outline methods and practices to be applied.

• Maintain detailed and organized records of experimental conditions, vector analyses, bacterial stocks, project data, and results.
• Contribute to the analysis of technical data and adaption and improvement of routine methods.
• Optimize specific work processes in a self-driven manner.
• Contribute to the design of effective workflows for specific methods within an experiment, planning individual timelines, and adapting approaches to match shifting demands.
• Participate in the development of work instructions that outline methods and practices to be applied.
• Assist with mentoring of interns and assist with training.
• Operate, maintain, and clean equipment, maintain/order supplies, and manage waste.

 

 Skills and competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field, or equivalent, with 1 year of laboratory experience; or other technical qualification with 2 or more years of laboratory experience.
• Experience with the sterile techniques and demonstrated success utilizing established tissue culture conditions.
• Demonstrated experience using PCR methods to characterize tissues and cells (e.g., qPCR, ddPCR, Sanger sequencing)
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and efficient time management.
• Ability to follow protocol, visually observe and clearly document, and maintain laboratory records to generate reproducible results.
• Demonstrated interest in participating in new technology development striving for technical excellence through collaboration and self-improvement with an open mind.
• Ability to communicate and write clearly, concisely, and accurately in English.
• Must have the legal right to work in the United States without sponsorship.

 

What we offer:

• Competitive salary (salary range: $25.00 – 30.00 based on level of qualifications)
• 401(k) employer match; health, dental, vision benefits
• Pension plan
• A flexible 20 days of Paid-time-off (PTO)
• Professional training and development opportunities, tuition reimbursement
• An international and diverse team

 

Grow your career forward by submitting your application online via our online application system SuccessFactors! Please click the “Apply” button which you can find in the online ad.