Research Associate - Optimization

About Benson Hill
Benson Hill empowers innovators to develop more healthy, tasty and sustainable food by unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants. Benson Hill's CropOS platform combines machine learning and big data with breeding techniques and plant biology to drastically accelerate and simplify the product development process. This platform allows for cost-effective and more efficient ways for companies to analyze and make improvements in plant genetics. Benson Hill brings a unique and holistic approach to our product and platform development, as we span a broader workflow involving trait and seed development, genome editing, and breeding all the way to creating better ingredients and varieties that tap a strong consumer demand for more flavorful and nutritious fruits and vegetables. More information can be found online at www.bensonhill.com. Follow us on Twitter at @BensonHillInc.

Our Purpose and Core Values

Our Core Values are a set of common principles we share that are fundamental to our company's identity.

Be Bold!  We redefine boundaries by providing new solutions to difficult problems. Together we are driven to transform the future and will not allow the fear of failure to prevent us from innovating. We voice our opinions, embrace change, and challenge each other to think creatively.

• Be Inspired! We have purpose in our work-we are curious, engaged, and have fun. We maintain an active learning mindset and are motivated by diverse people and thoughts. We are energized by all innovators and together we aim to make an impact and contribute to building a better world.
• Be Real! We understand who we are, what we want to achieve, and what it takes to get there. We hold each other accountable through timely, candid, and well-intentioned feedback. Together we engage in honest communication and healthy debate that leads to success through true alignment.

Department Overview

The PRODUCT DELIVERY ACCELERATION (PDA) Department is responsible for the delivery of the R&D product pipeline from inception of new product targets through to testing of these products on farm in grower fields all in a massively compressed time to market.  We conduct a wide range of research activities, namely in the areas of vector design, crop transformation, molecular genotyping, and trait validation to name a few. These activities are aimed at designing and creating new and improved crop varieties which offer tangible benefits to farmers and consumers, specifically in the areas of sustainability, health and nutrition.  We are a diverse, energized, and highly experienced team of professionals with a proven track record of delivering novel outcomes that have transformed areas of the Ag Tech sector.  We are focused on designing for and delivering the scientific and analytical products and insight geared around the commercial objectives with the greatest value and impact.  We collaborate across a broad spectrum of internal Technology and Commercial teams along with key 3rd party partnerships to design and deliver on these outcomes.

Position Summary

We are actively seeking a RESEARCH ASSOCIATE to join our Trait Delivery optimization team to support the growth of Benson Hill.  The RA will work both independently and as part of a team to optimize and build state-of-the-art plant transformation protocols.  The candidate, while being a key member of Benson Hill's Trait Delivery team, will work in a fast-paced and collaborative atmosphere, interacting closely with an interdisciplinary team. The position is based in St. Louis, MO. 

You Will:

(Essential Duties and Responsibilities)

• Conduct plant tissue culture experiments by making media, preparing explants, doing transfers, sampling plants, and recording data
• Contribute ideas for optimization through critical thinking, reading literature, and collaborating with other team members
• Analyze, record, and present research findings to internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with the transformation production team to identify optimization needs and maintain a safe and functional laboratory space

You Have:

(Competencies and Qualifications)

Education

• Associate or B.S. in molecular biology, biotechnology, plant biology or related discipline

Experience

• 4+ years of education and/or experience
• Experience working in a scientific laboratory
• Experience with the scientific process of generating hypotheses and designing experiments
• Basic understanding of plant tissue culture, genome editing, and/or transformation methods preferred but not required
• Position level will be determined by experience in desired areas

Software/Skillset

• Microsoft Suite

Other

• Ambitious and motivated to learn and ask questions
• Organized and meticulous in conducting scientific protocols and recording observations
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and timelines
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Receptive to feedback and new ideas
• Rapidly acquire new technical skills
• Enjoys working as a team

We have a Total Rewards Package at Benson Hill that consists of more than just your paycheck. Total Rewards at Benson Hill covers Pay (salary and bonus), Health (employer benefit contributions) and Wealth (investments). Some of the perks include:

• A Collaborative Environment
• A flexible PTO program with a focus on work/life balance
• Competitive medical benefits and retirement savings plan
• FREE Dental and Vision Coverage
• Education reimbursement
• PAID parental leave
• And more....