Scientist, Formulations & Chemical Compatibility

Indigo’s Formulations group is seeking a Scientist to join our team and assist in the development of microbial based agricultural products that increase crop yield and improve stress tolerance using organisms isolated from the plant microbiome.  The Scientist will be a part of the development of stable and robust microbial seed treatment products with a primary focus on the chemical and biological compatibility of Indigo’s products with external, commercial seed applied products.  Responsibilities include:

• Chemical Compatibility (approximately 80%)
  • Work with Product Management, Supply Chain, and Commercial colleagues both in the US and Internationally to identify seed treatments or other agricultural products requiring compatibility testing with Indigo microbial products
  • Design and conduct experiments to test the chemical compatibility of external products with Indigo microbial products
  • Maintain chemical compatibility database
  • Act as the technical point of contact for Product Management, Supply Chain, and Commercial colleagues regarding chemical compatibility questions including summarizing, interpretation, and presenting technical information as required
  • Write standard test methods as well as develop new test methods to best evaluate chemical compatibility of external products
  • Assist with the procurement and delivery of the external products for testing
• New Product Development (approximately 20%)
  • Develop seed treatment formulations that meet the target biological, physical, and chemical characteristics to support commercial use
  • Develop and evaluate seed treatment methods

The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, crop sciences, chemical engineering, or a related field.  The candidate must be able to apply their knowledge to the design and implementation of experiments that directly inform the commercial use of Indigo’s microbial products.  This is a hands-on, laboratory-based position and the candidate will work in collaboration with other scientists and engineers to carry out their work. 

The candidate will be knowledgeable and has practical, hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Biochemical response of micro-organisms to chemical and physical stresses
• Fundamental mechanisms of dormancy, stabilization, or preservation of micro-organisms
• Development of biological assays and bio-analytical techniques
• Characterization of the physiology, metabolism, and stress responses of micro-organisms
• Wet chemistry skills for the preparation of seed treatment formulations
• Experience with microbial stabilization or agricultural seed applied products is a plus

The candidate should also possess the following qualities:

• Ability to work in a dynamic and fast paced environment
• Flexibility and acceptance of change
• Keen interest in understanding complex biological and chemical systems
• Observant with a strong attention to detail
• Perform laboratory work in a clean and safe manner
• Collaborative by nature, “Team Player”
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

The specific level and title of the candidate will be dependent on the candidate’s qualifications and experience, but in general will be as an individual contributor at the Scientist/ Senior Scientist level.