Plant Molecular Geneticist

Summary:

Lipman Family Farms is seeking a Molecular Geneticist to join our dynamic tomato research and development program. We are in search of an individual who possesses a fervent dedication to leveraging state-of-the-art genomic and molecular technologies to discover, characterize and enhance desirable tomato traits and fortify global food security. The pivotal focus of this role encompasses gene editing, high-throughput molecular marker development, and novel trait introgression in tomatoes. The successful candidate will engage in close collaboration with breeders, pathologists, biological scientists, and Lipman management while fostering an environment of innovation and excellence at Lipman Family Farms.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and support genotyping activities, including creating, validating and optimizing markers for trait selection, for plant and seed purity testing, and for gene edited targets; directing assays for marker assisted seedling selection and managing and improving the throughput of genotyping screens.
• Develop and implement a pipeline for sequencing, aligning, and analyzing the genomes of key inbred and parental lines to support candidate gene discovery, marker development efforts, and identify off-targets of gene editing activities.
• Interact and communicate with the breeding team and research managers to identify and prioritize traits amenable to gene editing interventions.
• Spearhead the development of molecular designs, assays, edit delivery technologies, and edit analytics to propel advancements in tomato gene editing methodologies and tools to meet departmental objectives.
• Execute experiments encompassing molecular biology, genetics, genomics, plant breeding, post-harvest physiology, and plant pathology, both within greenhouse and field settings.
• Safeguard germplasm and intellectual property rights.
• Provide training and guidance to research assistants, associates, and technicians.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest literature relevant to the field of research and take advantage of opportunities for professional development. Seek collaborative opportunities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervision of assigned technical staff and labor in relation to daily lab, greenhouse or field activities. Must ensure that work goals and activities are safely and accurately conducted. Coordination of daily staffing needs with Lab Manager and Director of R&D will be necessary.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ph.D. in Genetics, Bioinformatics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology, Computational Biology, Plant Breeding, or a related field; and equipped with the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to excel in this role.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite Software and in basic tools for whole genome and locus-specific sequence analysis (such as: Geneious, BWA mapper, SAMtools, GATK, BEDTools, BLAST, PLINK, IGV Genome Browser, SPAdes, Canu, Abyss, Variant Annotation Tool (VAT), ANNOVAR, CRISPResso and CRISPRscan etc.
• Ability to analyze, summarize, and clearly report experimental results to staff, management, collaborators, and customers is essential.
• Must be a Non-tobacco user in any form at any time.
• Must be a US citizen or possess U.S. residency status with ability to live and work in the Naples/Ft. Myers, FL area on a permanent basis.
• Must possess a valid passport with the ability to travel domestically and internationally for up to 10 consecutive days or as the position requires.

Preferred skills:

• Experienced in molecular biology, genetics, or a cognate field.
• Two or more years of laboratory management.
• Demonstrated proficiency in devising gene-editing pipelines for crop plants, showcasing expertise in tissue culture, plant transformation, and gene discovery.
• Adept in high-throughput molecular marker system development, with experience in platforms such as end point genotyping, KASP, and HRM.
• Proficient in basic tools for whole genome and locus specific sequence analysis such as BWA mapper, SAMtools, GATK, BEDTools, BLAST, PLINK, IGV Genome Browser, SPAdes, Canu, Abyss, Variant Annotation Tool (VAT), ANNOVAR, CRISPResso and CRISPRscan, Geneious, etc.
• Literate on one or more programming languages.
• Familiarity with classical plant breeding methods and strategies for hybrid development.
• Exposure to basic plant pathology methods and symptomology (especially for tomato).

Work Environment:

The successful candidate will work in multiple environments including lab, greenhouse, farm fields, packing facilities, and various travel-related locations. Uneven terrain, stairs or steps, bending, lifting of 30 pounds, and short-duration exposure to hot or cold temperatures or loud machinery should be anticipated.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Doctorate (Required)

Experience:

• molecular biology, genetics, or a cognate field: 2 years (Preferred)
• laboratory management.: 2 years (Preferred)
• devising gene-editing pipelines for crop plants: 2 years (Preferred)
• • Coordinate and support genotyping activities: 2 years (Preferred)
• gene editing: 2 years (Required)
• cas9: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Estero, FL 33928 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Estero, FL 33928: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person