Research Associate I/II, Trait Sciences (Contract)

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, Terrana Biosciences is a cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based products to address global agricultural challenges. We are committed to advancing sustainable farming solutions through precision technologies that ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented contract Research Associate I/II to join our Trait Sciences team. In this role, you will assist in studies to characterize the impact of our proprietary delivery and expression platforms on plant physiology, development, and stress responses. You will collaborate across molecular biology, RNA delivery, and bioinformatics teams to assess how transient nucleic acid delivery modulates key plant traits and pathways in both model and crop species.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of molecular innovation and plant performance, contributing directly to Terrana’s mission of building a sustainable and programmable agriculture.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform plant trait assays to measure physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses to nucleic acid treatments across species such as tomato, corn, and soybean.
• Assist in developing and optimizing controlled environment and greenhouse experiments to assess gene expression, phenotypic outcomes, and stress tolerance in plants treated with proprietary delivery systems.
• Collaborate closely with molecular and delivery technology teams to link delivery efficiency with downstream phenotypic or trait-level outcomes.
• Perform plant-pathogen, abiotic stress, and developmental bioassays to characterize RNA-mediated modulation of plant systems.
• Analyze, interpret, and present data in cross-functional meetings and contribute to experimental design refinement.
• Document results meticulously and contribute to internal reports, protocols, and intellectual property filings.
• Maintain awareness of recent advances in plant molecular biology, RNA technologies, and agricultural biotechnology through literature review and conference participation.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS 

• BS or MS in Plant Biology, Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology, or related field, with 1-2 years of hands-on research experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in plant tissue handling and phenotyping, ideally in crop systems.
• Familiarity with trait assays (e.g., growth rate, stress response, pathogen challenge, nutrient uptake, or yield-related parameters).
• Familiarity with nucleic acid or RNA-based technologies (e.g., transient expression, silencing, or delivery).
• Experience with greenhouse and growth chamber plant care, experimental design, and data collection.
• Strong problem-solving skills, scientific curiosity, and ability to adapt to a fast-paced research environment.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and documentation skills.
• Knowledge of RNA or small molecule delivery systems in plants preferred.
• Experience working with tomato, corn, or soybean experimental systems preferred.
• Familiarity with imaging, phenotyping, or transcriptomic analyses to assess plant traits preferred.
• Exposure to agricultural biotechnology or plant biotechnology industry environments preferred.

LOCATION:  Durham, NC

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING:

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.  

Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at