CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS:

Plastomics, Inc. is an early-stage plant biotechnology company making more sustainable and effective crops through its innovative chloroplast genetic engineering platform. We seek a highly motivated and entrepreneurial-minded Plant Molecular Biologist with expertise in molecular cloning techniques and transgenic plant analysis to join our fast-paced and exciting discovery team effort. We are located in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in the 39N plant biotech area of St. Louis, Missouri. We seek candidates that will thrive in an exciting, new technology start-up atmosphere.

Position Summary

We seek a plant molecular biologist for an entry or mid-level role as a key member of our plant transformation pipeline team, primarily responsible for corn and soybean transgenic plant confirmation and analysis. The successful candidate should also be well versed in state-of-the-art cloning technology and may contribute to development of plant transformation vectors. The successful candidate will work at the bench and be expected to contribute intellectually to team and company goals. The Plant Molecular Biologist will work closely with other cell and molecular biologists in a collaborative and cross-functional atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform transgenic plant analyses, including DNA, RNA and protein detection and quantification
• Contribute to transformation vector development, including cloning of both chloroplast and nuclear transgenic plant transformation vectors
• Work independently at the bench under supervision of a senior scientist
• Maintain detailed and organized records of project data and other materials as needed
• Maintain regular and clear communication of research progress and results to team members and leadership

Education and Experience:

MS with 5 years experience or recent PhD in plant molecular biology

• Independent and entrepreneurial, able to perform under tight timelines and with the agility to change course as needed
• Ability to multi-task and take on new assignments as necessary in a fast-moving startup atmosphere
• Excellent planner, organizer, critical thinker and problem solver; with a demonstrated ability to efficiently execute project tasks
• Experience with standard and high throughput cloning techniques required
• Familiarity with plant tissue culture and transformation technologies a plus
• Experience with small sample amounts, high throughput analysis methods and/or recalcitrant species a plus
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Application Process:

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume.

Plastomics is an early-stage plant biotechnology company making more effective crops through its innovative and unique chloroplast genetic engineering platform. We have an immediate opening for a plant tissue culture technician to get in on the ground floor of an exciting start-up company with possibility for significant expansion. Candidates will be active members of a dynamic science-oriented team in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment. We are located in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in St. Louis, Missouri, in the heart of the burgeoning agricultural biotechnology sector of the city.

Position Summary

Plant Cell Culture Technicians work directly with senior scientists to facilitate both discovery and production goals of the plant transformation team. The successful candidate will work with both monocot and dicot row crop plant species and will be trained in the art of plant cell culture: media prep, explant isolation, cell culture initiation and maintenance, plant transformation and plant propagation. Experience with plant tissue culture is desired but not required. This is a part-time position with the possibility of full-time employment in the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Working with senior scientists, perform all aspects of cell culture and transformation
• Work requires attention to sterile technique and primarily requires working in a laminar flow hood
• Maintain good laboratory practices and database tracking of all discovery and production projects
• Communication of research progress and results to team members

Education and Experience:

BS or MS biology or equivalent degree

• Hands-on experience in plant cell culture and transformation a significant plus
• Excellent planner and organizer with ability to efficiently execute project tasks
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Application Process:

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume.

Plastomics is an early-stage plant biotechnology company making more effective crops through its innovative chloroplast genetic engineering platform. Our team is expanding and we are seeking a Plant Transformation Discovery Scientist to join our fast-paced discovery team effort. This is a unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor of an exciting start-up company with possibility for significant expansion. We are located in the 39 North Ag Biotech district of St. Louis, Missouri. Relocation assistance is available.

Position Summary

The successful candidate will be an expert in plant tissue culture and transformation technologies, with strong working knowledge of corn and/or soybean cell biology. He/She will be expected to contribute intellectually to the company’s goals. The candidate will work primarily at the bench, closely with other cell and molecular biologists in a collaborative and cross-functional atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop and implement novel approaches to plastid and nuclear transformation
• Collaborate closely with other cell biologists while also independently performing all duties in the laboratory required for individual projects
• Contribute to project plan development and long-range goals of the plant transformation team
• Regular and clear communication of research progress and results to team members and company leadership
• Maintain detailed and organized records of project data and other materials as needed

Education and Experience:

• Must have a minimum of 7+ years’ relevant post-graduate experience in plant tissue culture and transformation. PhD preferred but not required.
• Proven track record of success and hands-on experience in plant transformation systems improvement, preferably in an industrial or large academic setting
• Independent and able to perform under tight timelines and with the agility to change course as needed
• Ability to multi-task and take on new assignments as necessary in a fast-moving startup atmosphere
• Excellent planner, organizer, critical thinker, and problem solver, with a demonstrated ability to efficiently execute project tasks
• Familiarity with molecular biology, plant gene expression and transformation vector technologies a plus

Application Process:

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume. Must be authorized to work in the USA.