Senior Scientist, Plant Biology

Summary

NewLeaf Symbiotics is seeking a motivated Plant Biology Senior Scientist to conduct research aimed at developing plant-associated bacteria as drop-in solutions for agriculture. The successful candidate will lead research efforts and drive thinking and innovation in the plant biology group and will contribute to strategy in R&D and the company.

Supervision and Mentoring Required

• Ability to supervise research assistants/associates.
• Cultivate research staff through scientific mentorship.

Expectation of Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and conduct greenhouse/growth chamber-based research in plant biology and plant-microbe interactions both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Design experiments to test hypotheses in the laboratory/greenhouse/field to support our product pipelines.
• Prepare and communicate protocols, reports, and analyses regularly both internally and externally.
• Remain current in literature in discipline and apply findings to advance company goals.
• Assist with other related lab and greenhouse projects as needed to help NewLeaf Symbiotics meet its R&D objectives.
• Ability and desire to work independently as well as in a collaborative and cross functional team-environment (molecular biology, field biology, product development, data sciences).
• Proficient at multitasking and prioritization of assignments in a fluid research environment. Proactively identify problems and propose/support solutions.

Minimum Qualification (Education and Experience)

• Educational requirements are a Ph.D. with 2+ years of academic and/or industrial experience in one or more areas related to plant biology/physiology, microbiology, bacterial genetics, plant-microbe interactions or microbial ecology.
• Proficiency in plant biology techniques including growth promotion assays using biologicals in growth chamber/greenhouse settings, and ability to troubleshoot assays to optimize performance.
• Nutrient Use Efficiency experience an advantage.
• Advanced statistical analysis skills an advantage.
• Greenhouse gas measurement/analysis experience an advantage.
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with excellent problem solving, oral, and written communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in growth chamber and greenhouse settings with conditions that vary seasonally and participate in occasional field sampling trips.