Plant Biochemist Research Scientist

Quercus Bio; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge agricultural biotech firm in Madison, WI is seeking a Plant Biochemist to advance molecular assays and protein production for crop protection technologies. Responsibilities include designing biochemical assays and collaborating with scientists and CRO partners. Candidates should possess an M.S. or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry with a minimum of 2 years in the field. This full-time position offers the chance to join a pioneering team at the intersection of protein engineering and agriculture.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in protein biochemistry.
• Strong expertise in contemporary molecular biology techniques and enzymatic assays.
• Track record of scientific productivity with peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute protein biochemical assays to demonstrate biological modes of action.
• Partner with internal and external resources for protein production.
• Communicate plans and results to stakeholders transparently.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Molecular biology techniques

Analytical problem-solving

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or Biochemistry

Tools

Protein engineering techniques

Job description

Quercus is seeking a highly motivated and technically strong Plant Biochemist to establish and advance the molecular assays and protein production capabilities critical to our discovery and development platform. This role will be responsible for developing biochemical assays to demonstrate our modes of action as well as enabling the design, synthesis, expression, and production of target proteins that underpin Quercus’s novel crop protection technologies.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in contemporary plant biochemistry and molecular biology as well as recombinant protein production, paired with a practical, execution-focused mindset. This position will work closely with the Lead Plant Scientist, external CRO partners, and the executive team to implement strategies that maximize efficiency, speed, and cost-effectiveness across Quercus’s technical programs. This is a full-time, in-office role based in the Greater Madison, WI area. For interested, qualified candidates, send your resume and cover letter to [e-mail].

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deliver leading-edge plant protein biochemistry and molecular biology capabilities to support Quercus’s protein-based crop protection platform.
• Design and execute protein biochemical and cellular assays to demonstrate specific modes of action via the activity of native plant enzymes.
• Enable the synthesis, expression, and small-scale production of bespoke proteins using internal and external resources. Identify key technical, technological, and process constraints and develop actionable plans to address them.
• Innovate on core enabling technologies to position Quercus for long-term scientific and commercial success.
• Collaborate closely with the Lead Plant Scientist and executive leadership to align technical strategy with business objectives, especially in decision making on in-sourcing versus outsourcing research activities.
• Manage and coordinate work executed by external CRO partners to ensure timely, high-quality, and cost-effective delivery.
• Communicate experimental plans, results, and recommendations clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline with relevance to plant biochemistry.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in protein biochemistry; industry experience is preferred.
• Strong expertise in contemporary molecular biology techniques and enzymatic assays.
• Proven ability to operate as an individual contributor while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and execution skills with the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Track record of scientific productivity demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and/or issued or published patent applications.
• Experience working with external CROs and managing outsourced experimental programs.
• Familiarity with protein engineering, protein design workflows, or AI-enabled biological discovery platforms.

What We’re Looking For

• A hands-on experimentalist with deep curiosity and a strong learning mindset.
• Demonstrated experience with multiple systems for small-scale recombinant protein expression and production.
• Comfortable operating independently, as part of a team, and as a small team leader when needed.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, resource-efficient environment with evolving priorities.
• Motivated by building foundational capabilities and translating innovative biology into real-world agricultural impact.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a world-class team at the earliest stages and help shape not our science, our strategy and our long-term competitive position. You’ll work at the intersection of cutting-edge protein engineering, AI, and agriculture, with the chance to influence how breakthrough technologies become transformative products.To apply, send your CV & CL to [e-mail] .