Biological Scientist III

Classification Title:

Biological Scientist III

Job Description:

Independently carry out well-designed experiments using and developing advanced plant molecular biology, plant physiology and plant breeding techniques. Collect, analyze, and prepare data for the purpose of laboratory reports, presentation of posters or papers at the appropriate scientific meetings, publication of abstracts and manuscripts and to aid in the design of future experiments.

In conjunction with project leader, define research objectives and design plant molecular biology, plant physiology and plant breeding experiments that are required to meet the objectives. Studies will include laboratory, greenhouse, growth chamber, and field projects.

Train undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral research associates, and visiting scientists in methods of plant molecular biology, plant tissue culture, genome editing, plant physiology and plant management as well as the proper and safe use of laboratory greenhouse and field equipment.

Write grant proposals and peer reviewed scientific articles.

Conduct literature reviews of relevant research topics.

Order, appropriately store and monitor the appropriate use of all chemicals, enzymes, radioisotopes, pesticides, field and greenhouse supplies, equipment, and all other biological and non-biological supplies needed for the research. Maintain a hardcopy and computer disk copy of all laboratory inventory, pesticide use and use of radioisotopes.

Ensure proper maintenance and functioning of all laboratory, growth chamber, greenhouse and field equipment. Perform or direct staff in necessary lab and greenhouse and growth chamber maintenance and safety functions such as autoclaving of tissue culture media, pipette tips and microfuge tubes, as well as preparation of laboratory stock solutions, and handling of field, laboratory and greenhouse material, providing the required growth environments for tissue cultures or plants.

Expected Salary:

$53,000 - $60,000 commensurate with education and experience

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related field and seven years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in biology or a closely related field and five years of relevant experience; Doctoral degree in biology or a closely related field and two years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

A PhD in plant science or related area with relevant postdoctoral experience and extensive publication record and demonstrated success in grantsmanship.

Knowledge of current plant molecular biology, plant physiology and plant breeding techniques. This includes knowledge of greenhouse, field and laboratory safety procedures and experience with plant breeding or plant management under field conditions.

Extensive experience with plant molecular biology techniques, including processing and evaluation of NGS data, modular cloning of multigene vectors, gene transfer and genome editing methods, molecular characterization of plants including PCR, qPCR, droplet digital PCR, RNAseq, Western blot, ELISA, Turbo-ID, Yeast two hybrid.

Plant tissue culture techniques including protoplasts and embryogenic callus from monocots. Agrobacterium and biolistic gene transfer.

Excellent communication skills, ability to trouble shoot experimental problems and work independently and in a team.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This is a time-limited position.

This position has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: No