Senior Research Associate (St. Louis, MO, US) at SEEDING THE FUTURE - KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA

For KWS Research Center in St.Louis we are seeking an experienced full-time and permanent Senior Research Associate with experience and knowledge in plant tissue culture, biolistics, and cereals transformation. The Senior Research Associate will work independently and flexibly on specific research-based projects in collaboration with the lead scientist and their direct supervisor. The ideal candidate has experience with several methods and practices and demonstrates creativity to identify problems and contribute to developing potential solutions within select methods and practices. The SRA will execute experiments to make a difference in seed technology research, advance knowledge and improve product development efficiency resulting in a competitive advantage for KWS.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct experiments in monocot transformation and regeneration
• Maintain accurate, detailed, timely and organized records of experimental conditions, data and results
• Optimize work processes as needed for specific methods and practices
• Execute workflows within an experiment, planning individual timelines and adapting approaches to match shifting demands in collaboration with supervisor
• Strong troubleshooting skills by analyzing technical data, identifying problems, and providing input on solutions
• Work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
• Comply with and participate in development of work instructions that outline methods and practices
• Assist with mentoring of Interns and assist with onboarding and training of Research Associates
• Ensure Company handbook, Rules, Guidelines, Procedures and safety policies are followed and personal protective equipment is used correctly
• Operate, maintain and clean equipment, maintain and/or order supplies and manage waste
• Meet attendance requirements
• Other duties as assigned

SKILLS AND COMPETENCES:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, with primary laboratory and research experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Plant transformation and regeneration in one or more monocot systems experience
• Ability to communicate and write clearly, concisely and accurately in English
• Ability to follow protocol, visually observe and clearly document and maintain laboratory records to generate reproducible results
• Must have the legal right to work in the United States without sponsorship

PREFFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Flexibility and adaptability to meet shifting project goals
• Experience with application of genome editing techniques
• Participation in protocol development and optimization
• Demonstrated interest in new technology development striving for technical excellence

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Member of project team(s) and accountable for performing workflows within those projects
• Over 80% of working time for hands-on work in the lab
• No direct reports
• Observance of regulations for occupational safety, compliance, know-how protection and QM regulations

OUR OFFER: 

• A salary between $29 and $36 per hour. This role is also eligible for an annual bonus. This reflects a reasonable estimate of the targeted base salary for this role. Based on factors such as geographic location and candidate qualifications, actual base pay is determined when an employment offer is made
• Health, dental, vision benefits
• Pension plan and 401(k) with employer match
• Flexible paid-time-off (PTO)
• Professional training and development opportunities

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Scientific laboratory environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, read, use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move objects up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus.

JOIN US!
If you are ready to lead scientific innovation and make a meaningful impact in agriculture, we invite you to apply with your CV today.

We look forward to hearing from you.