Senior R&D Scientist – Molecular Biology BioLumic is a biotechnology company that programs plants with light. We develop and apply UV light signalling recipes to seeds and seedlings, to trigger biological mechanisms that increase plant growth, health, and yields. Our science is at the cutting edge of multiple disciplines and evolving rapidly as we continue to expand our operations both in New Zealand and the US. We are a successful company entering commercial expansion, and we are looking for great people to come on board as we enter our next exciting phase of growth.
About the role
This role will contribute to building our molecular science platform across a range of globally-important agricultural crops, and extending our fundamental mode-of-action understanding. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in molecular biology and biochemistry, particularly with fundamental plant signalling knowledge, and analytical technologies such as PCR and qPCR-based analysis, and RNA expression workflows.
Responsibilities
Work closely with team members to ensure the success of R&D projects against R&D milestones.
Interact with our multi-disciplinary team to deliver experimental outcomes that achieve strategic milestones.
Contribute to the molecular characterization of our UV light treatments.
Develop and implement the state-of-the-art molecular analytical technology to link phenotypes to genotypes and enhance our R&D pipeline.
Plan, execute and analyse experiments using advanced skills in plant molecular biology, experimental design and statistical data analysis.
Use phenotyping approaches to assess responses to BioLumic technology applications.
Communicate experimental findings to other team members.
Work with feedback and input from team members.
Use spreadsheets and statistical packages, including database software, to store and analyse data, and build perspectives using previous experimental findings.
Experience & Qualifications
Strong technical expertise with a wide range of molecular analytical technologies such as PCR and qPCR-based analysis and RNA expression workflows. Can oversee all aspects of assay development from design to validation.
Technical knowledge in plant genetics, gene editing and ag biotechnology.
Experience of working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Experience in photobiology would be an advantage.
Experience working with ryegrass or maize would be an advantage.
A qualification at PhD level in Molecular biology / Plant biology / Biochemistry / or equivalent.
If you are excited to join us, get in touch. We are looking for great people with the right attitude to be an important part of our team, and to contribute to our positive organisational culture.
We are based at FoodHQ in Palmerston North, an innovation focused working space. Just down the road is our Photobiology R&D Centre, the only one in the world. Take a look at our website and web-search us for information about what we do and where we've come from.
Please apply through the SEEK portal only. Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your qualifications, personality, and experience relates to the key skills required for this role.
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