Scientist I

About the role

This role is responsible for executing and continuously improving high-throughput lead production workflows for Trait Discovery, with a primary focus on molecular biology and protein production activities while also supporting plant-based sample generation and transient sample production. The position leads the development, execution, and scaling of high-throughput protein production workflows, ensuring processes are reliable, efficient, well-documented, and aligned with quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute, troubleshoot, and continuously improve high-throughput protein-production workflows, including preparation, expression, purification, normalization, quality control, and sample tracking.
• Identify and resolve complex, recurring workflow issues; develop and implement process improvements, standardize methods, and monitor throughput, turnaround time, and quality performance.
• Execute and prioritize high-throughput molecular biology work, including molecular cloning, nucleic acid preparation, PCR-based workflows, construct processing, and associated quality-control activities.
• Support transient sample production, including plant care and staging, transformation, agroinfiltration, leaf-disc preparation, and workflow documentation.
• Develop, evaluate, validate, and implement novel or improved microbe- and plant-based protein-expression processes and systems to expand platform capabilities.
• Design and execute experiments to generate high-quality samples; analyze and interpret results to inform technical decisions and continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation and sample traceability in ELN/LIMS systems; clearly communicate results, observations, and technical recommendations to relevant stakeholders.

Requirements

• PhD with 0+ years, MS with 2+ years, or BS with 4+ years of relevant experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing, executing, and optimizing high-throughput sample-production workflows, including purification and quality control.
• Proficiency in high-throughput sample-production techniques, including protein expression, purification, quality control, and sample tracking.

Preferred Requirements

• Direct experience in agricultural biotechnology, life sciences, or a related industry.
• Deep knowledge of microbial, plant, cell-free, and/or other heterologous protein-expression systems, including strain or host optimization and cultivation techniques.
• Experience with transient plant-based sample production.
• Hands-on experience with automated liquid-handling systems, integrated instrumentation, and workflow optimization.