Research Associate, Biology

Research Associate, Biologist
Location: Durham, NC

Our client is an integrated life sciences company developing safe and effective products that address critical problems facing plant health, human health, and animal health. Through scientific imagination and determination, we are developing products to create a future with a cleaner environment, healthier people, and a stronger food supply chain. At the core of the company's rapid growth is a proprietary platform for higher quality RNA production at a lower cost and faster speed than has ever been possible.

We are seeking an exceptional Research Associate to join our Discovery Biology team. The successful candidate will conduct high-quality research in the laboratory designing experiments and following standard operation procedures on a cross-functional team. The role will focus on developing, executing, and data collection from diverse biological assays and making evidence-based decisions toward increasing food security by killing agricultural pests with bio-actives including dsRNA safe to humans and beneficials.

Responsibilities:

* Independently perform routine laboratory techniques such as pipetting, preparing dilutions
* Independently perform tasks when working with fungi or insects, such as encouragement of sporulation and quantification of spores, secondary inoculum production, inoculation of host plants, counting and manipulating small insects, maintaining insect cultures, microscopy
* Assist with the development and optimization of high throughput screening assays for activity of novel compounds
* Make media for and maintain fungal and insect cultures
* Accurately entering data into electronic organizational systems (ELN), checking for and resolving any errors
* Data interpretation, visualization, and analysis using Excel
* Summarize and report sensitive results and data packages
* Maintain detailed records of experimental protocols, procedures, and collected data
* Work collaboratively with other team members to accomplish project goals and milestones
* Communicate results in the form of presentations and emails to project teams
* Daily use of Microsoft Office, Teams, and e-file organization systems (ELN)
* Ensure safe laboratory operations and a safety-focused work culture

Qualifications:

* Experience conducting lab-based assays or knowledge in the subject matter of entomology, plant pathology, or related fields
* Utilize problem-solving skills to adapt to unforeseen challenges
* Excellent execution and follow through skills
* Outstanding attention to detail and organizational skills
* Willingness to cross-train on other teams for large collaborative projects and assistance as needed
* Efficient time management for individual and team activities
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Comfortable in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
* Capable of managing competing priorities and timelines

Education:

* Bachelor's degree in entomology, plant pathology, or related field