Fungal Discovery & Genomics Co-Op

Bayer; Chesterfield (MO); On-site; USD 31,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

PTO

Sick leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

Bayer Crop Science in Missouri hosts a co-op program focusing on discovery of entomopathogenic fungi for insect control. You will gain hands-on experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and biotech research, developing methods to isolate, culture, and characterize fungi from environmental samples.

The role includes contributing to DNA extraction, genome sequencing prep, and collaboration across microbiology, genomics, and bioinformatics teams.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Plant Pathology, or a related field
• Experience with microbial or fungal culturing techniques is preferred
• Strong laboratory documentation and organizational skills
• Interest in genomics, bioinformatics, or functional characterization of natural products
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize protocols for the isolation, purification, and cultivation of diverse fungal species from environmental samples
• Screen, identify, and maintain fungal isolates
• Document isolate metadata and maintain accurate laboratory records
• Assist with DNA extraction and sample preparation for genome sequencing and downstream analyses
• Collaborate with microbiology, genomics, and bioinformatics scientists to characterize newly isolated strains
• Present research findings and project updates to the broader team
• Develop and pilot a transcriptomics-based workflow to support fungal toxin annotation and candidate gene discovery
• Contribute to data analysis and interpretation of RNA‑seq datasets to help identify genes associated with insecticidal activity

Job description

In this co-op role, you will support the discovery and characterization of entomopathogenic fungi for insect control applications. You will gain hands‑on experience in microbiology, fungal biology, molecular biology, and biotechnology research, developing and optimizing fungal isolation methods, collecting and culturing fungi from environmental samples.

Your Tasks And Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize protocols for the isolation, purification, and cultivation of diverse fungal species from environmental samples;
• Screen, identify, and maintain fungal isolates;
• Document isolate metadata and maintain accurate laboratory records;
• Assist with DNA extraction and sample preparation for genome sequencing and downstream analyses;
• Collaborate with microbiology, genomics, and bioinformatics scientists to characterize newly isolated strains;
• Present research findings and project updates to the broader team.

Additional Opportunities:

• Develop and pilot a transcriptomics-based workflow to support fungal toxin annotation and candidate gene discovery;
• Contribute to data analysis and interpretation of RNA‑seq datasets to help identify genes associated with insecticidal activity.

Who You Are

Desired Qualifications:

• Pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Plant Pathology, or a related field;
• Experience with microbial or fungal culturing techniques is preferred;
• Strong laboratory documentation and organizational skills;
• Interest in genomics, bioinformatics, or functional characterization of natural products;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Employees can expect to be paid a salary of approximately between $22.75 to $47.75. Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). Additional benefits may include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc (if relevant). This salary (or salary range) is merely an estimate and may vary based on an applicant’s location, market data/ranges, an applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.

This posting will be available for application until at least March 19, 2027

Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

Bayer is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below.

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Bayer is an E-Verify Employer.

Location:

United States : Missouri : Chesterfield

Division:

Crop Science

Reference Code:

883379

Contact Us

Email: [e-mail]