Plant Health Co-Op

Missouri Ag Connection; Chesterfield, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 66,000; Part time

Job summary

Missouri Ag Connection seeks a Plant Health Co-Op to advance plant pathology research workflows through experimental design, data analysis, and process optimization. You will support pathogen collections characterization, develop laboratory methods, and evaluate experimental systems in R&D pipelines.

You will generate actionable insights from plant and pathogen data, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to scalable research protocols in plant pathology.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a M.Sc. or Ph.D. program (Plant Pathology preferred) with experience in molecular characterization techniques, bioinformatics, and/or sequence analysis.
• Experience in experimental design and statistical/data analysis using R, Python, or similar tools.
• Experience with data visualization tools, laboratory techniques, and instrumentation.
• Effective written and oral communication skills with the ability to work independently within a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform phylogenetic analysis and characterization of pathogen collections and isolates.
• Conduct molecular characterization and develop markers for detecting plant pathogens.
• Validate pathogen characterization protocols under operational conditions.
• Optimize processes for large-scale pathogen production and storage.
• Synthesize and communicate results in a timely and organized manner to project teams and key stakeholders.
• Use prior experience and consultations with other team members to solve technical and operational challenges and complete experiments on time.
• Achieve commitment to safety and compliance by adhering to safety protocols and best practices.

Skills

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Data visualization

Scientific communication

Time management

Education

M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Plant Pathology

Tools

R

Python

Bioinformatics tools

Sequence analysis software

Job description

In this Plant Health Co?Op role, you will advance plant pathology research workflows through experimental design, data analysis, and process optimization. You will support the characterization of plant pathogen collections and isolates, development of laboratory methodologies, and evaluation of experimental systems used in research and development pipelines. Working alongside multidisciplinary scientists, you will generate actionable insights from plant and pathogen data, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to the development of scalable research protocols in plant pathology.**YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES**The primary responsibilities of this role include:* Perform phylogenetic analysis and characterization of pathogen collections and isolates;* Conduct molecular characterization and develop markers for detecting plant pathogens;* Validate pathogen characterization protocols under operational conditions;* Optimize processes for large?scale pathogen production and storage;* Synthesize and communicate results in a timely and organized manner to project teams and key stakeholders;* Use prior experience and consultations with other team members to solve technical and operational challenges and complete experiments on time;* Achieve commitment to safety and compliance by adhering to safety protocols and best practices.**WHO YOU ARE**Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:* Currently enrolled in a M.Sc. or Ph.D. program (Plant Pathology preferred) with experience in molecular characterization techniques, bioinformatics, and/or sequence analysis;* Experience in experimental design and statistical/data analysis using R, Python, or similar tools;* Experience with data visualization tools, laboratory techniques, and instrumentation;* Effective written and oral communication skills with the ability to work independently within a team environment;* Strong organizational and time management skills, with high attention to detail.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