Soil Microbiologist - Valent Biosciences, LLC

Job Description
Description of Job: Plan, lead and execute a fully integrated applied research program in soil microbiology, focusing on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with the primary goal of discovering new products for improved plant and soil health.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific expertise and technical leadership in the area of PGPRs as a key contributor to an interdisciplinary research team.
• Responsible for the design of biochemical- and molecular-based laboratory assays and greenhouse assays to evaluate soil microbes and mixtures thereof for their enhancement of plant growth/yield and their impact on soil health to contribute to the overall Rhizosphere research program.
• Develop reliable quantification methods to monitor soil and root colonization dynamics and the growth and survival of introduced soil microbes.
• Lead small-scale production of microbial inoculants for greenhouse and field trials.
• Participate in cross-functional new product development teams involved in the evaluation and commercialization of PGPRs and related products.
• Assist in developing a global network of university, government, and other 3rd party contacts that can serve as a pool of potential research collaborators to further our understanding of soil health and the plant rhizosphere and assist in the development of new products.
• Support 3rd party technology evaluations based on Global Business Development activities.
• Supervise and mentor direct report(s).

Experience:

• Post-PhD experience conducting independent research on PGPRs is required.
• Strong basic and applied background in soil microbiology. Demonstrable experience in soil microbiome methodology including bacterial and fungal community profiling.
• Hands-on analytical skills related to soil microbial quantification.
• Practical experience in isolation, identification and preservation of microbial strains.
• Demonstrable experience in evaluating microbes using biochemical, molecular and plant growth assays. Experience in small plot field research is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Track record of using innovative approaches that can be used for developing new products.
• Knowledge of experimental design, statistics and use of associated software programs.
• Routine use of MS software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ELN.

Education: PhD degree in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Soil Biochemistry, Plant Pathology or related field.

Travel: Domestic/International travel 5-10%