Position Title: Research Associate I - Plant Protoplast & Assay Support

Location: Aptos, CA

Type: Full-time

The Opportunity

Ohalo Genetics is seeking a curious and motivated Research Associate I to support our plant synthetic biology R&D team. In this role, you will gain hands-on experience with assay execution and molecular biology techniques. You’ll work closely with a collaborative team of scientists and associates to carry out well-defined experiments, contributing to our mission to advance plant gene editing technologies.

This position is ideal for someone early in their scientific career who is eager to learn, detail-oriented, and excited to grow in a dynamic, fast-paced lab environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute plant protoplast workflows, including tissue preparation, enzymatic digestion, and protoplast handling under supervision
• Perform assigned assay tasks, such as reagent prep, sample handling, and instrument setup, following established SOPs and verbal instructions
• Accurately input experimental data into lab databases, identifying potential anomalies in real time
• Maintain organized records of procedures and results in an electronic lab notebook
• Learn and practice fundamental wet lab skills such as pipetting, buffer preparation, and sterile technique
• Participate in team meetings, ask clarifying questions, and contribute to scientific discussions, including literature reviews
• Assist in lab maintenance tasks, including reagent restocking, equipment cleaning, and shared responsibilities

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Plant Science, or a related field
• 2–3 years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry)
• Familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques or lab coursework
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Clear communication skills and ability to follow instructions precisely
• Enthusiasm for learning and working in a collaborative research setting
• Proficiency in common tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets) and comfort working with data entry systems
  
  

Preferred (but not required):

• Exposure to plant systems or tissue culture
• Experience with basic data analysis or scientific databases
• Participation in undergraduate research or lab assistant roles

Position Details

• Location: On-site (one location), Monday–Friday
• Work Type: Full-time
• Physical Requirements: Standing for portions of the day; manual pipetting and handling plant tissue
• Training Provided: Full protocol and safety training with ongoing mentorship

The anticipated pay range for this role is $65K - $72K per year for our Aptos, CA location. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Why Join Ohalo?

This is an exciting entry point for aspiring scientists to make meaningful contributions to cutting-edge plant genetics research. At Ohalo, we value curiosity, collaboration, and growth. You’ll be part of a tight-knit R&D team where your work supports high-impact projects and where learning is part of the job. If you’re eager to develop your lab skills and grow within a mission-driven biotech company, we encourage you to apply.

About Ohalo:

Ohalo™ aims to accelerate evolution to unlock nature's potential. Founded in 2019, Ohalo develops novel breeding systems and improved plant varieties that help farmers grow more food with fewer natural resources, increasing the yield, resiliency, and genetic diversity of crops to sustainably feed our population. Ohalo's breakthrough technology, Boosted Breeding™, will usher in a new era of improved productivity to radically transform global agriculture. For more information, visit www.ohalo.com.

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.