Position: Research Associate I

Location: Mills Rivers, NC

Type: Full-time

Desired start date: ASAP

The Opportunity:

Ohalo Genetics is seeking a motivated Research Associate I who will contribute to the advancement of plant variety development by assisting with plant tissue culture, plant regeneration, cell biology experiments, and plant genomic analyses. The successful candidate will be creative and passionate about discovery, and pushing science forward. Furthermore, the successful candidate will be well-organized, detail-oriented, and work independently as well as in a team environment. The candidate will spend approximately 80% of their time on wet lab tasks and experiments and 20% on data management and analysis.

Responsibilities:

• Perform and observe tissue culture and cell biology experiments, including preparing materials and media.
• Implementing automated systems for protoplast procedures in collaboration with Ohalo automation engineers and scientists.
• Maintaining oversight of a large collection of diverse plant materials (in vitro plantlets, callus and regenerating shoots) in a lab by keeping it organized physically and digitally and coordinating the activities necessary to maintain optimal quality and enable their utilization for gene editing.
• Perform data collection and analysis and provide rapid and clear updates to the status of plant materials and progress towards project goals.
• Find and implement ways and tools to improve speed, efficiency and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with Technicians, Research Associates and Scientists to exchange information necessary to ensure that critical processes are completed and plant materials are maintained.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform all tasks in a manner consistent with and in support of all company policies and practices related to safety and compliance.

Candidate Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Plant Science, or related field with 0-3 years of experience.
• Ability to accurately follow verbal and written instructions, ask clarifying questions and articulate challenges.
• Ability to take notes such that instructions can be carried out accurately again at later times.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time and do repetitive motions, usually under a laminar flow hood.
• Ability to take a proactive approach to time management and willingness to assist other team members with additional tasks as appropriate.
• Must be observant, patient and careful.
• Must have a positive attitude and good interpersonal skills.
• Must be passionate about learning and enthusiastic about plants and hands-on work.

Desired skills/experience:

• Knowledge of plant science, plant breeding, and molecular biology.
• Experience working in a lab including sterile technique, micropropagation, media preparation, microscopy, and DNA extraction.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel and Word) and Google Suite (Mail, Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Drive).

About Ohalo Genetics:

Ohalo is using an evolutionary lens to reimagine the art and science of plant breeding. We seek to transform breeding and production systems with a goal of helping to sustainably support the world’s growing population.

Notes: If you previously applied for a job at Ohalo Genetics, we encourage you to restate your interest in the position by submitting your application.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position at this time.

No recruiters please.