Research Associate

Job Description: Research Associate

March 2024

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 the Donald Danforth Plant Sciences Center and we run our greenhouse operations 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 provides growers with an extra source of income via contracting, growing, and harvesting the oilseeds produced from CoverCress® seed and selling that grain 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 on three crops in two growing seasons while as benefiting the ecosystem benefits of a cover-crop, including nutrient run-off mitigation, improved soil conditions and carbon sequestration.

CCI is seeking to employ a Research Associate role within CCI.

Responsibilities

• Perform transgenic selection and transplantation of transformed plants 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 breeding pipeline.

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

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

Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree, completion of a training program or equivalent work experience in the field of biological sciences.

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

• Excellent organization, recordkeeping and communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within interactive research environment.

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $44,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• St. Louis, MO: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person