Research Associate
The Research Associate at Confidential Client supports the development and execution of transient plant assays to evaluate early trait candidates, ensuring accurate and reproducible data generation. This entry-level role involves assay preparation, experimental execution, data quality checks, and workflow improvements while collaborating with scientists and technical staff to advance trait discovery and product development in crop science.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Summary
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Research Associate to support transient plant assays and early trait screening workflows. This hands-on role works in laboratory and growth-chamber environments and contributes to data generation that advances trait discovery and product development.
Responsibilities
- Assist with assay setup and execution, including plant care, bacterial culture preparation, scoring, sample collection, and post-assay cleanup following established protocols.
- Support development, optimization, validation, and implementation of laboratory- and growth-chamber-based assays.
- Maintain accurate records of experimental designs, assay conditions, observations, sample movement, and protocol deviations.
- Review, summarize, and quality-check data; perform basic data analysis to support scientific interpretation.
- Identify opportunities to improve assay robustness, throughput, reproducibility, safety, and operational efficiency.
- Follow all applicable safety, biological-containment, greenhouse, laboratory, and field operating procedures.
- Communicate progress, issues, risks, and results clearly to supervisors and cross-functional collaborators.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field (microbiology, plant science, agronomy, biochemistry, molecular biology, plant genetics) or equivalent combination of related education and hands-on experience.
- Coursework or practical experience in plant biology, microbiology, greenhouse work, or biological assay development is preferred.
- Strong interest in plant molecular biology and willingness to work in laboratory and growth-chamber settings.
- Familiarity or hands-on experience with bacterial cultures, plant propagation, or plasmid preparation is a plus.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accurate, reproducible experimental data and recordkeeping.
- Ability to organize daily tasks, manage multiple activities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing experimental needs.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting protocols and sharing technical updates.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 for data entry, spreadsheets, and basic data summarization.
- Commitment to safety, stewardship, compliance, and proper handling of biological materials.
Please note: there is no relocation assistance or visa sponsorship available for this role.
Benefits
- Multiple development and training opportunities to build laboratory and technical skills.
- Health benefits available from day one (employee + family coverage).
- Four weeks paid time off plus two weeks of well-being pay each year, plus paid holidays.
- Robust parental leave (minimum 16 weeks for both mother and father).
- Competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program.
- Additional total rewards and wellness programs provided by Confidential Client.
Workplace & Compliance
This role is located in Johnston, IA and is a full-time position. Confidential Client is committed to maintaining a safe workplace and following all applicable state and federal employment laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; please request accommodation during the hiring process.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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