Job Description

Supervised by: Director of Molecular Biology

Status: Full-Time Position

FLSA: Exempt

Summary

CoverCress Inc. (“CCI”), founded in 2013, is an innovative startup company based in St. Louis within the 39 North AgTech Innovation District. 39 North is a 600-acre innovation district anchored by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, BRDG Park, the Helix Incubator, Bayer Crop Science, and the Yield Lab. Our headquarters are located on Baur Boulevard. We utilize first-class lab space at the BRDG building and the Donald Danforth Plant Sciences Center, and we operate our greenhouse facilities at the prestigious Donald Danforth Plant Sciences Center. 

We are converting field pennycress into a new domesticated crop under the CoverCress® brand as the third crop in standard corn/soybean rotations, which could be used on up to 10 million acres at maturity in the US. Our novel crop offers growers an additional source of income through contracting, growing, and harvesting oilseeds produced from CoverCress seed, which is then sold to processors in a closed-loop commercial system for use as a renewable fuel feedstock and high-quality animal feed. Because it grows in the winter on otherwise fallow ground, farmers earn revenue from three crops in two growing seasons while benefiting from the ecosystem benefits of a cover crop, including nutrient runoff mitigation, improved soil conditions, and carbon sequestration.

CCI is seeking to hire a research associate for a role within CCI.

Responsibilities

• Perform transgenic selection, characterization, and transplantation of transformants within the editing pipeline. Support harvest, processing, and cataloging of transformed plants.

• Perform tissue sampling and DNA extraction for the product development pipeline.

• Develop and validate molecular assays as needed by the discovery and product pipeline.

• Assist with the plant transformation process as needed.

• Assist in the discovery, development, and deployment of value-added traits within the product pipeline.

• Documentation of all the experiments and processes in the web-based data management platform.

• Contribute to routine laboratory cleanliness and organization; follow all laboratory safety and compliance protocols.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of biological sciences, including plant biotechnology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.

• Ability to analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize laboratory protocols and instrumentation.

• Ability to write and perform work according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Excellent organizational, record-keeping, and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within an interactive research environment.

Physical Demands:

• Requires extended periods of activity, including walking, standing, kneeling, bending, and lifting, up to 100% of a workday. The ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds is also necessary. 

Benefits

401(k) Plan; Dental insurance; Health insurance; Life insurance; Paid time off; Vision insurance

CoverCress Inc. is a growing company with a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment with opportunities for growth and professional development.

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