Research Scientist II Biochemist/Plant Pathologist in St. Louis, MO 63132
Research Scientist II – Biochemist/Plant Pathologist
Elemental Enzymes is seeking a Research Scientist II with biochemistry and/or plant pathology experience to join our R&D team focused on development of sustainable, enzyme-based products for protecting plants from pests including fungal disease. This individual will be responsible for advancing the development of enzyme-based pesticides that provide plant protection from fungal diseases. The successful candidate will work to elucidate modes of action and bioactivity, utilize techniques in molecular biology, conduct enzyme characterization studies, develop robust pathological assays and validate actives within broad fungal screening. The ideal candidate will be innovative, highly motivated, detail oriented and be able to communicate effectively with fellow scientists, technicians, and agronomists.
Job Responsibilities
Design and perform experiments utilizing techniques in biochemistry, plant pathology, microbiology molecular biology, and/or enzymology
Develop and perform controlled environment pathological assays (in-vivo and in-vitro) for target diseases to evaluate efficacy and support mode of action testing
Design and/or conduct laboratory experiments to support mode of action hypotheses and enzyme characterization. May develop or amend protocols for addressing this objective.
Laboratory-scale production of enzymes using bacterial expression and downstream biochemical purification systems
Follow standard operating and safety procedures for the laboratory and comply with APHIS regulations while handling plant pathogens
Coordinating validation of candidate enzymes in bioassays and field trials with internal and/or external cooperators
Coordinate operational activities for early phase development of bio-actives across internal departments and with external testing partner(s).
May work with regulatory science team for early assessment of impact on human health and environment
May support regulatory or intellectual property submissions with testing and documentation
Prepare technical reports, data compilations and presentations of results for internal and external stakeholders
Maintains laboratory records, supplies, and samples in an organized manner
May supervise laboratory staff, including technicians and research assistants
May include occasional travel for laboratory and/or field research
Additional responsibilities may be added at the discretion of management
Required Experience
Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry, Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or a closely related field or masters degree in aforementioned field with 5+ years of experience in laboratory research
Demonstrated research success through peer-reviewed publication(s), invited presentation(s) and/or contributions to industry projects
Strong knowledge of plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry
Proven expertise with diverse molecular and biochemical laboratory techniques
Desired experience in development of pathological assays and fungal culturing
Desired experience of gene/protein sequence analysis and heterologous expression of proteins
Proficiency in basic computer skills including use of Excel spreadsheets, Microsoft Office programs, notebook and inventory management tools, and email
Working knowledge of statistics, with desired experience in statistical analysis of complex datasets using statistical computing or software. Competency in use of R is desired.
Proven ability to budget time and manage several distinct projects at once. Supervisory experience desired.
Energetic and self-motivated individual able to work independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary research team
Eagerness to develop, learn and adopt new methods
Attention to detail, accuracy, and basic math skills
Embody the Elemental Enzymes core values: Innovation, Respect, Integrity, Delivery
Physical Requirements
Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or finger, picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
Those with this position must be able to work in Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory which can cause more illnesses to those with immunocompromised systems.
Job Location: St. Louis, MO, United States
Position Type: Full Time/Regular/ Salary/Exempt
Salary: Competitive base range
Benefits: Employee Stock Options, 401K, Healthcare, Dental, Vision, Life, HSA, FSA
About Elemental Enzymes
Elemental Enzymes was founded upon the simple belief that we must do everything we can to improve agricultural performance in a way that not only enables plants to flourish but enriches and renews the planet with eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural solutions. From products that enable effective enzyme, peptide and protein inputs to foliar treatments that hold the promise to renew entire industries, our focus to make a positive difference in the world through people like you and me. Success is a byproduct of responsible production. Thats why Elemental Enzymes works to bring cross-disciplinary scientists and processes together to create novel solutions to practical problems with a shared goal of helping both the plant and the planet.
Apply
Please fill out the application and attach a cover letter and CV/Résumé. References required upon request.