Research Associate

Objective

• This role is responsible for developing and testing formulations of prototype strains in laboratory and greenhouse environments.

Responsibilities

• The Research Associate will be responsible for preparing liquid and solid formulations in a laboratory environment including liquid suspensions, liquid concentrates, emulsifiable concentrates, powders & granules
• Monitoring stability of formulations over time for viability by CFU plating
• Developing commercial strategies for manufacturing including downstream process and seed coating
• Testing compatibility of Joyn microbes with common commercial chemistries used in seed treatment and other field-relevant applications.
• Coordinating and collaborating with microbial engineering teams and plant science teams to bridge the gap between genetic engineering and plant health outcomes
• Helping manufacture and prepare field trial material including technical transfer between Joyn and commercial manufacturing sites
• Preparing samples of fermentation products for genetic sequencing using prep kits or a Joyn developed SOP and submitting samples to vendors for sequencing
• Working with plant science team members to execute seed recovery assays of field trial material and develop new recovery assays as needed in collaboration with multiple departments
• Working with fermentation team members to prepare and harvest fermentation materials both for research and plant health applications
• Assisting with logistics, packaging, shipping, tracking, and regulatory components of sending out field material
• The position requires at least 70% of the time spent at the laboratory bench, and 30% of the time documenting and implementing the project plan.
• Occasional travel may be required to Boston, MA and to commercial manufacturing sites.

Training/Experience

• 2-5 years of formulation and/ or microbiology experience.
• BS degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Microbiology etc.
• Basic knowledge in experimental design and execution in formulation labs.
• Work experience in agriculture product development.
• Willing to take on challenges as learning opportunities.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills are required.

Organizational

• This is a full time position at our Woodland, CA location.
• This position will report to a Scientist in Bioprocess and Formulation Development at our Boston, MA site.
• This individual will collaborate with Joyn Bio Departments across sites.