Assistant Scientist I

PROFARM; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical and dental

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Flexible spending account

Job summary

ProFarm, an agricultural technology company headquartered in Davis, California, is seeking an Assistant Scientist I to join a diverse R&D team. You will help plan, execute, and analyze plant–microbe interaction studies and biological crop inputs across lab, greenhouse, and field settings.

The role emphasizes initiative, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clear data presentation while supporting ongoing plant health research and formulation screening.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, plant pathology or related field.
• 0+ years of industry R&D experience with plant disease bioassays.
• Strong data analysis and presentation of results.
• Experience with statistics (ANOVA, non-linear regression).

Responsibilities

• Assist in design and execution of plant bioassay experiments in lab and greenhouse/field.
• Support development of pathogen screening formulations using fungal, oomycete, and bacterial systems.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and communicate results effectively.
• Maintain lab materials and microbial cultures, keeping space organized.
• Document work with high accuracy and contribute to planning and evaluation of results.
• Assist with literature review and propose novel research ideas.

Skills

Plant pathology

Microbiology

Molecular biology

Statistics (ANOVA)

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Microbiology/Plant Pathology/Plant Science

Tools

MS Office

R

JMP

Job description

ProFarm is an agricultural technology company on a mission to improve the food we eat in a way that benefits the grower, the consumer, and the entire industry. Headquartered in Davis, California, with a global footprint spanning Michigan to Finland, we deliver field-proven, biological solutions for pest management and plant health. By bridging the gap between sustainability and profitability, ProFarm helps modern growers optimize crop yields while protecting the planet. Learn more and join our mission at ProFarm.com.

Summary:

The Assistant Scientist I will assist in the design, planning, execution, analysis, and presentation of research on plant–microbe interactions and biological crop inputs, working within interdisciplinary teams of scientists. We're looking for someone who takes initiative and brings creative, cutting-edge thinking to research questions.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assist in the design and execution of plant bioassay experiments to advance our understanding of plant-microbe interactions, at both small scale (lab) and large scale (greenhouse and field).
• Support the development and implementation of fungal, oomycete, and bacterial pathosystems for screening new formulations.
• Work with diverse microbial plant pathogens, with a focus on fungal and oomycete pathogens such as Botrytis and Bremia.
• Assist in downstream molecular work investigating plant immunity and microbial transcriptional responses.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively within and across teams, supporting a small R&D group where agility between projects is essential.

Good to Have:

• Experience with DNA and RNA extractions from bacterial, fungal, plant, and insect tissues, including difficult-to-extract sample types.
• Sample analysis via PCR, gel electrophoresis, and qPCR.
• General microbiology and molecular biology techniques.
• Use and maintenance of standard molecular biology equipment.

Team and Project Contribution:

• Maintain microbial cultures and keep the lab clean and organized.
• Prepare test materials and assist other departments with bioassays and sample analysis.
• Stay current with relevant literature and contribute novel ideas for future research.
• Document work to a high standard of completeness and accuracy.
• Contribute to research team discussions, planning, and evaluation of results.
• Participate in regular team and long‑term project planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Plant Science or a related field.
• 0+ years of industry R&D experience with plant disease bioassays, including experimental design, data analysis, and presentation of results.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Background in plant pathology, microbiology, and molecular biology.
• Experience with statistics, such as ANOVA and non-linear regression.
• Experience with MS Office and statistical software such as JMP or R.
• Strong communication skills for working with scientists across diverse backgrounds and specializations.
• Ability to work independently and make day‑to‑day decisions.
• Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and timelines.
• High attention to detail, with comfort working across interdisciplinary project teams.
• Comfort working in greenhouse and lab settings that may involve soil, dust, and plant material.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily lab- and greenhouse-based, with extended periods at a desk and computer.
• Valid driver's license required for occasional travel between work sites (mileage compensated).
• May be required to obtain and maintain a Qualified Applicator License/Certificate from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Compensation:

• ProFarm offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) plan with employer match, and a health plan including medical and dental coverage, life insurance coverage, long term disability and a flexible spending account for dependent care and/or medical expenses.
• The above is a list of the essential duties and responsibilities for this position. This list is not all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned. This job description may be modified as needed.
• ProFarm is an equal-opportunity employer. A pre-employment background check will be required.