Research Scientist, Plant Pathologist

Description

SUMMARY: 

ProFarm Group (PFG) is a subsidiary of Bioceres Crop Solutions, a global provider of biologically-derived fertilizers, inoculants, crop traits, adjuvants, biostimulants and pesticides, serving the ever-expanding agricultural markets. PFG focuses on discovering, developing, and marketing nature-derived biostimulants, as well as pest management products from microbes and plant extracts for the effective control of invertebrate pests, weeds, and plant diseases. 

The Plant Pathologist will provide daily leadership in design, planning, execution, analysis, and presentation of research into the interactions of plants and biological crop inputs. Research activities and projects will be planned and evaluated in the context of interdisciplinary teams of scientists. The Plant Pathologist will assist in implementation of novel molecular techniques, pathogen bioassays, and participate in the discovery and development activities for biopesticides and biostimulants. The successful candidate will take initiative to explore creative and cutting-edge approaches to address research questions. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: 

Essential Functions 

• Participate in the setting up and execution of experiments. These duties can range from early-stage screening of potential products to routine Quality Control testing.  

• Participate in the design and implementation of plant-based and in-vitro pathogen bioassays for testing new microbial products and plant extracts. 

• Develop, implement, and train others in various pathosystems, with a focus on fungal and oomycete plant pathogens.  

• General molecular biology techniques including DNA and RNA extractions from bacterial, fungal, plant and insect tissues, including difficult to extract sample types, as well as analysis of samples by PCR, gel electrophoresis and qPCR.  

• Assist in the sterile maintenance of multiple microbial isolates through media preparation, cultivation, isolation, and long-term storage. Routine PCR, gel extraction and sequencing are also required to provide accurate microbial identifications. 

• Use and maintenance of standard molecular biology equipment.  

• Ability to work well in fast-paced small teams.  

Other Duties:

• Keep the laboratory clean and organized. 

• Prepare test materials and assist other departments in performing bioassays and sample analysis. 

• Stay current with latest literature related to research focus and contribute novel ideas for future work. 

• Ability to document work performed to a high standard of completeness and accuracy. 

• Supervise junior scientists to generate and gather data in support of research questions. 

• Contribute to research project team discussions, planning and evaluations of test results. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS: 

Education & Experience 

• Master’s degree in Plant Pathology, or related field, 2 years research experience; B.S. in Plant Pathology, or related field, with 5 years of post-graduate experience in research. 

• Research experience with plant disease bioassays, including experimental design, analysis of data and presentation of results. 

• A professional and positive attitude.  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

Essential Physical and Mental Requirements: 

• Knowledge of plant pathology, microbiology and molecular biology. 

• Proficiency with statistics, including ANOVA and non-linear regressions. 

• Communication skills to interact effectively with scientists from diverse backgrounds and specializations.  

• Good time management and organizational skills. 

• Be able to work on repetitive tasks in a multi-functional lab. 

• High attention to detail and the ability to work within interdisciplinary project teams.  

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and operate a personal vehicle (mileage will be compensated) between work sites when necessary. 

• May be asked to obtain and maintain a Qualified Applicator License or Certificate from California Department of Agriculture.  

• Able to deal with swift changes in priority, while adapting plans quickly and effectively to meet demands.  

• Experience with MS Office suite and ability to work with other statistical software such as JMP or R. 

• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods (2-4 hours).  

• Extensive use of computer keyboard, mouse and monitor.  

ProFarm Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) plan with employer match, and a health plan including medical and dental coverage, life insurance coverage, long term disability, and a flexible spending account for dependent care and/or medical expenses.  

The above is a list of essential duties and responsibilities for this position. This list is not all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned. This job description may be modified as needed.  

ProFarm Group is an equal-opportunity employer.  A pre-employment background check will be required. 

Salary : $74,000 - $92,000