Senior Research Associate - Valent BioSciences LLC na Valent BioSciences LLC

About Us: 

Valent BioSciences LLC is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Valent BioSciences LLC operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It’s about contributing to society, as well as making a profit.

Description of Job: This position has two components: 1) Management of Crop Enhancement Research laboratory, and 2) technical support for laboratory, growth chamber, and greenhouse studies in the area of plant physiology to (a) support programs to identify and evaluate plant growth enhancing materials and biostimulants and (b) support programs focused on extending the uses of existing plant growth regulator products.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with Crop Enhancement Research group members, Rhizosphere team representative, Research Operations team, and Environmental Health & Safety to ensure safe and efficient operation of Plant & Soil Sciences Laboratory at the Biorational Research Center in Libertyville, IL.
• Includes maintaining chemical and biological sample inventories, ordering lab supplies, coordinating calibration of equipment, and other duties as necessary to maintain safety, efficiency, and compliance.
• Assist in research studies in the area of plant physiology with a focus on enhancing crop productivity, crop stress management, growth enhancement, and crop management using biorational substances.
• Participate in identifying and developing new plant biostimulant and plant growth regulator products.
• Participate in cross-functional new product development and product life cycle management projects.
• This position will be approximately 30% lab management and 70% Crop Enhancement research

Experience:

• Background in whole-plant physiology and plant molecular biology with a demonstrated ability to conduct research.
• Hands-on research experience in laboratory, greenhouse and growth chamber experimentation with horticultural or agronomic crops and associated production practices.
• Working familiarity with common laboratory equipment, and associated data acquisition and processing.
• Familiarity and experience with standard molecular biology techniques.
• Routine use of MS software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Prior experience with electronic notebooks and project management software a plus. Working knowledge of experimental design, statistics and use of associated computer software.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Must have the ability to collaborate with other members of the Crop Enhancement, Rhizosphere, Research Operations, and EH&S teams, be well-organized and have excellent time-management skills.

Education: MS degree in Plant Physiology, Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field, OR, BS with 4+ years lab experience will be considered.

Travel: 5%

What We Offer 

We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That’s why we’re dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees.

Base Salary: The estimated annual base salary for this position ranges from: 

$71,400 to $89,300. Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Incentives: All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary.

Benefits: 

• High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
• 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
• Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
• Financial assistance programs to support your goals
• Life and disability insurance for added security
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Valent Group of Companies, we’re proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do.

Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.

• Valent U.S.A., Valent North America LLC, Valent BioSciences LLC and Mycorrhizal Applications LLC are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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