Research Associate (RA) Position
Job Description
The transformation Research Associate (RA) may take direction from a Technology Leader, Research Scientist, or other management team members. A RA will conduct transformation experiments for soybean according to established protocols, document experimental data accurately into database system(s), and produce adequate numbers of transgenic events to support trait development efforts. In addition, he/she will participate in implementation, development and improvement of established methods to increase the efficiency of transformation pipelines.
• Manage and carry out soybean pipeline transformation experiments and deliver necessary transgenic events to support phenotyping or product development.
• Implement new technologies in pipeline transformation and conduct necessary experiments to establish pipeline transformation capacity.
• Conduct process improvement experiments to make the transformation pipeline more efficient from DNA integration in target cells to transgenic plant delivery.
• Follow DuPont Pioneer safety policies, protocols, and procedures, and ensure a safe working environment for all team members.
• Participate in team supporting activities such as culture initiation, equipment maintenance, media assessment or improvement, culture room maintenance, process improvement, or information management.
• Collaborate with Information Management team to develop and improve the transformation data collection and sampling system and ensure the data integrity in Dupont Pioneer databases.
• Provide technical support and ensure a respectful, collaborative, and positive team spirit.
• Provide summaries and reports to managers, and present results in company or outside meetings.
Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in plant science, biological science or related field such as horticulture or biotechnology, and minimum of 1 to 3 years of tissue culture and/or transformation experience. Direct soybean tissue culture and transformation experience would be preferred but not required. Experience in plant tissue culture and genetic transformation is necessary. Experience is also required in the area of designing and carrying out experiments independently, sampling plant tissue cultures for molecular and/or biochemical analysis, and detailed record keeping. Knowledge of plant transformation protocols and procedures, particularly those for soybean is also needed for the job. Ability to maintain complete, accurate and timely records of experimental data and procedures. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office software, and experience in the use databases and/or LIMS systems is a plus. This job also requires excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Willingness to support a high-quality laboratory environment through custodianship of equipment and strict adherence to lab safety practices. Ability to function both independently and as a respectful team member.
DuPont Pioneer (www.pioneer.com/careers) headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, is the world’s leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. DuPont Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering Success™.
DuPont is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information. For US Applicants: See the “Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law” poster at: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf For our U.S. Affirmative Action Policy
Hiring manager contact information: Shujun Chang, Shujun.chang@pioneer.com, 515 535 0426.
