Crop Innovation Scientist

Solis Agrosciences is seeking a Crop Innovation Scientist in St. Louis, MO, specializing in plant transformation for gene-edited and transgenic crops. The role involves conducting tissue culture experiments, developing new protocols, collaborating with teams, and communicating research findings. Candidates should have a doctorate in a relevant field and hands-on experience with plant transformation techniques. The position requires innovation balanced with practical execution.
About the Company:
Solis Agrosciences is the trusted partner for high-quality AgTech research services. We generate gene-edited and transgenic crops, plant phenotype and efficacy data, and individually tailored research solutions for our startup and corporate customers. Solis highly trained and industry-experienced scientists operate in state-of-the-art facilities in the 39 North Ag Biotech district of St. Louis, Missouri.
Position Summary:
The successful candidate will be an expert in plant transformation techniques and technologies used in creating gene-edited and/or transgenic plants. The Crop Innovation Scientist, as a member of the Molecular team, will work primarily at the bench, collaborating closely with our transformation team members, plant growth team members, and molecular biologists in a team-oriented, energetic, and cross-functional atmosphere, to execute experiments that expand our capabilities and service offerings for our customers. This role demands a balance of innovation and practical focus. You will need to explore new ideas and discoveries while maintaining a realistic, organized approach.
Tasks and Responsibilities:

Perform tissue culture and transformation experiments at the bench by making media, preparing explants, subculturing explants, sampling, screening tissue with various assays, and interpreting results
Research new methods and develop protocols for new crops by reading literature, consulting with experts, and deliver strategic experimental plans to onboard new technologies
Develop hypotheses for protocol and process improvement and highlight the impact in terms of quality, time, and cost-saving
Prioritize experiments and research to have largest impact on business outcomes
Transition findings to production teams by developing standard operating procedures, training staff, and refining protocols to make them scalable
Cultivate a strong partnership between the new capability development team and the transformation team by sharing project goals, coordinating shared resources, and collaborating effectively on mutual objectives
Attend conferences and develop connections to stay at the forefront of gene editing and crop improvement technologies
Assist with other laboratory tasks, as needed, such as plant tissue sampling and/or protoplast transient assays
Communicate research progress and results regularly, clearly, and in an actionable manner to team members and company leadership
Maintain detailed and organized records of project data and other materials as needed, including inventories of seeds, cultures, plants and key experimental metrics
Contribute to routine laboratory cleanliness and organization; follow all laboratory safety and compliance protocols

Required Qualifications:

Doctorate degree in a relevant field (Plant Biology, Plant Science, Cell Biology, Biology, Biotechnology, etc.) or equivalent skill-level and amount of scientific experience
Direct, hands-on experience with the design and execution of plant transformation techniques, including media formulation, Agrobacterium culturing, subculturing, plant regeneration
Direct, hands-on experience doing tissue culture with diverse crops and lines
Significant experience optimizing new tissue culture protocols
Experience creating strategic project plans and timelines, demonstrating the ability to deliver against these objectives
Independent self-starter able to perform under tight timelines in a fast-moving startup atmosphere
Highly agile and able to multitask, change course or take on new assignments as needed to meet timelines and deliver high quality results
Excellent planner, organizer, critical thinker, and problem solver to drive successful outcomes
Ability to work in an in-person role in St. Louis, MO

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with gene-editing in plants
Experience with speciality-crop transformation
Familiarity with intellectual property
Familiarity with Smartsheet and Benchling software

Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Vision insurance

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed

Supplemental Pay:

Bonus opportunities

Education:

Doctorate (Required)

Experience:

Tissue culture: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

St. Louis, MO 63132 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

St. Louis, MO 63132: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person