Research Scientist I - Entomologist

Research Scientist I - Entomologist                                                                                                                                  

The successful candidate will join a team that is focused on using synthetic biology to develop biological solutions for agriculture production. We are seeking a Ph.D. in entomology or related field, which possesses excellent interpersonal communication skills, organization skills, and is able to lead and direct others.

Job Description

• Direct and coordinate operational activities for development novel bioinsecticides.
• Develop, refine, and conduct insect bioassay protocols in a laboratory setting to quantitatively assess insecticidal efficacy of selected biomolecules.
• Planning and designing of experiments to support mode of action hypotheses.
• Identify, design and construction of gene clones, transform relevant microbiological strains, and produce bio-actives for insecticidal testing.
• Lead and guide insect rearing and colony maintenance to produce on-time quality insects for bioassays.

• Lead, train and support junior staff, as needed.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations of result

• Additional responsibilities may be added at the discretion of management.

Required Experience

• Ph.D. in Entomology or in Biology or related field with demonstrated experience in Entomology; Master’s degree level with 2-5 years of experience would be considered.
• Extensive experience conducting insect bioassays and its development and optimization.
• Proficient translation of state of the art to develop and conduct efficient and robust insect bioassays.
• Experience in insect rearing for small/middle scale insect production.

Desired Experience

• Experience evaluating actives for control of agriculture insect pests.
• Experience with statistical and bioinformatics tools for data analysis.
• Experience in a wide range of molecular technologies including up to date gene cloning techniques, PCR, DNA prepping and sequencing, etc.
• Experience in biochemical techniques including protein biochemistry and enzymology.
• Experienced user of bioinformatics tool for analysis of nucleic acid and protein sequences.
• Experience in genetic manipulation of microbiological strains. Experience with Bacillus strains and/or non-traditional microbes is a plus.

• Proven ability to budget time and manage several distinct projects at once.
• Eagerness to develop, learn and adopt new methods.

• Capable of interacting effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Physical Requirements

• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
• Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
• The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as: operates machines, such as lathes, drill presses, power saws, and mills where the seeing job is at or within arm's reach; performs mechanical or skilled trades tasks of a non-repetitive nature, such as carpenter, technicians, service people, plumbers, painters, mechanics, etc.
• The worker is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.
• None: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions
• Those with this position must be able to work in Biosafety Level 1 and 2 Laboratories which can cause more illnesses to those with immunocompromised systems.

Job Location

St. Louis, MO, United States

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular/ Exempt/ Salary

About Elemental Enzymes

Elemental Enzymes was founded upon the simple belief that we must do everything we can to improve agricultural performance in a way that not only enables plants to flourish but enriches and renews the planet with eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural solutions. From products that enable effective enzyme, peptide and protein inputs to foliar treatments that hold the promise to renew entire industries, our focus to make a positive difference in the world through people – like you and me. Success is a byproduct of responsible production. That’s why Elemental Enzymes works to bring cross-disciplinary scientists and processes together to create novel solutions to practical problems with a shared goal of helping both the plant and the planet.

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Please fill out the application and attach a cover letter and CV/Résumé.  References required upon request.