IVB Team Lead-Senior Scientist

URUS Group; New Brighton (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic work environment

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading agriculture biotechnology firm in Minnesota seeks an IVB Team Lead - Senior Scientist to lead its cattle stem cell and advanced reproduction program. The candidate will oversee a team of scientists, contributing to innovative strategies and hands-on execution of protocols. A Ph.D. in a relevant field and deep expertise in stem cell biology are essential. This role includes collaboration across teams and clear communication of scientific findings. The company offers a dynamic environment, aiming to advance cattle breeding technologies.

Qualifications

• Deep hands-on expertise in pluripotent stem cell culture.
• Strong proficiency in advanced reproductive technologies such as cloning and IVF.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools and genomic data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the cattle stem cell program, defining experimental strategies and milestones.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on workflows and priorities.
• Analyze complex datasets and synthesize insights for various audiences.

Skills

Stem cell biology

Experimental design

Mentoring

Advanced reproductive technologies

Bioinformatics tools

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Reproductive Biology or related field

Job description

The IVB Team Lead - Senior Scientist will lead the cattle stem cell and advanced reproduction program within the Innovation group, providing both strategic direction and hands‑on scientific leadership. This role oversees a team of 4–5 scientists and drives the development of robust, reproducible protocols for cattle stem cell culture, embryology, and cloning systems. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in stem cell biology, embryology, and experimental design, along with strong mentoring skills. This position plays a key role in translating innovative research into scalable solutions that advance the company’s commercial breeding initiatives.

This position reports to the Chief Scientific Officer, Recombinetics (URUS Innovation Group) and will be based in Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area (onsite collaboration required).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the cattle stem cell program by defining the experimental strategy, roadmap, milestones, and key readouts.
• Contribute to long‑term research planning and innovation strategies, aligning program goals with company priorities.
• Lead execution of stem cell experiments while maintaining high standards of rigor, documentation, and operational pace.
• Mentor and support scientists, providing guidance on troubleshooting, experimental design, and best practices.

CROSS‑FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION

• Collaborate closely with genomics, data science, and reproductive biology teams to coordinate priorities, workflows, and timelines.
• Ensure smooth integration of cross‑functional inputs into experimental plans and program decision making.

DATA ANALYSIS & REPORTING

• Analyze and interpret complex datasets—including sequencing and multi‑omics—and synthesize insights for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Communicate progress, risks, and scientific findings clearly and proactively.

DOCUMENTATION & QUALITY SYSTEMS

• Develop and maintain robust documentation practices, including tracking systems, data records, and SOPs.
• Ensure all workflows support reliability, reproducibility, and efficient technology transfer.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Ph.D. in Reproductive Biology, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Embryology, Computational Biology, or related field.
• Deep hands‑on expertise in pluripotent stem cell culture, ideally in cattle or other mammalian systems.
• Strong proficiency in advanced reproductive technologies (e.g., cloning, IVF).
• Solid understanding of reproductive biology, molecular biology, and organoid culture systems.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools, databases, and genomic/proteomic data analysis.
• Working knowledge of probability, statistical modeling, and algorithm design (preferred).
• Experience modeling biological processes and molecular dynamics.
• Experience with implementation of artificial intelligence for biological modeling and predictions (preferred).
• Ability to translate biological questions into computational analyses (e.g., multi‑omics integration to identify genotype–phenotype links).
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments.
• Strong troubleshooting instincts and evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Experience mentoring or leading others with a high standard of scientific rigor.
• Excellent communication skills for effective interdisciplinary collaboration and reporting.
• Adaptable, curious, and eager to learn new tools and methods in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong work ethic and team‑first mindset, including willingness to perform hands‑on work and support team needs.

ABOUT US

Trans Ova Genetics, a member of the URUS Group, provides industry‑leading reproductive technologies and expertise to cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to understand their breeding goals and ultimately help clients advance and extend superior genetics. Trans Ova Genetics understands the process that will help multiply a herd’s genetic success. Reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer, in‑vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed‑semen, genetic preservation, and cloning are considered the reproductive “tools” available for breeders looking to achieve specific breeding and reproductive goals. Internationally recognized as a source of superior animal husbandry and reproductive expertise, Trans Ova Genetics offers an integrated system of regional centers, satellite stations, and on‑farm application of reproductive technologies.

Trans Ova’s headquarters are in Sioux Center, Iowa, but we have many offices and satellite centers across the country. On‑going research and applied science allow Trans Ova Genetics to develop and implement new technologies to help move the science of bovine genetic improvement forward. Trans Ova is dedicated to meeting the requirements of their customers and to continual improvement.