Molecular Biology Associate

TekWissen ®; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

TekWissen Group is seeking a laboratory-based researcher to conduct guided molecular biology experiments in a fast-paced agricultural biotech team. You will collect and summarize data, attend weekly team meetings, and work across lab, office, and greenhouse environments.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in molecular biology or related field, with experience in cloning, PCR, and plant tissue culture, and strong communication skills to report progress within a multidisciplinary group.

Qualifications

• Experience with molecular cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, ligation, and sequence analysis.
• Troubleshooting PCR/enzymatic assays a plus.
• Sterile plant tissue culture experience preferred.
• Confocal or light microscopy experience preferred.
• Knowledge of plant genetics and physiology.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Carry out guided molecular biology experiments.
• Collect, summarize and report data; attend weekly team meetings.
• Lab work (80%), office work (10%), and greenhouse work (5%). Weekend work occasionally as needed.

Skills

Molecular cloning

PCR techniques

Gel electrophoresis

Ligation reactions

Sequence analysis

Plant tissue culture

Microscopy

Plant genetics

Data analysis in Excel

Team collaboration

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Plant Biology, Plant Genetics or related field

Tools

PCR machines

Confocal microscope

Tissue culture equipment

Job description

Job Description:

• Work in a fast-paced, dynamic, agricultural biotechnology team focused on innovating new breeding technologies to deliver higher quality seeds to benefit farmers.
• Work with a team of knowledgeable researchers to solve challenges collectively.
• Carry out guided research experiments involving molecular biology.
• Collect and summarize data and attend weekly team meeting.
• Work in the lab (80%), in-office on the computer (10%), and green house (5%). Occasionally work weekends as-needed.

Education:

• Bachelors in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Plant Biology, Plant Genetics or related field.

Research Skills Preferred:

• Experience in molecular cloning including vector design, assembly, PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis, ligation reactions, and sequence analysis.
• Experience with troubleshooting PCR and/or enzymatic assays is a plus.
• Experience with sterile plant tissue culture, preferred
• Experience with confocal or other light microscopy, preferred
• Knowledge and/or experience in plant genetics and physiology.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a dynamic, collaborative team environment.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Has a high level of personal integrity, which is critical both for the faithful execution of experimental designs and the appropriate documenting of results.
• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with multifunctional supporting groups and as part of teams.
• Compile and communicate regular reports on research progress including basic data analysis in Microsoft Excel or similar.
• Can maneuver and deliver results in a fast-changing environment.
• Works independently and under limited supervision to plan and carry out research experiments

TekWissen® Group is an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.