Plant Molecular Biology Research Associate

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Inc; Olivette (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gehan Lab at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri, is seeking a full-time Research Associate to apply plant molecular biology expertise to ongoing projects and to lead lab organization.

The role blends hands-on bench work with lab administration and mentoring of staff and students. With mentorship from the PI, the successful candidate will run molecular experiments, train lab members, manage germplasm, and oversee purchasing, safety, and day-to-day operations in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, plant biology, genetics, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in molecular biology laboratory settings.
• Proficiency in nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, and sterile technique.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage several priorities at once.
• Clear written and verbal communication; comfortable training others.
• Familiarity with Google Docs, Google Drive, OneDrive.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Design and carry out molecular experiments (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qRT-PCR, cloning, plasmid construction).
• Generate and characterize transgenic and gene-edited plant lines; genotype mutant populations.
• Prepare samples for sequencing (RNA-seq, amplicon, whole-genome).
• Organize and track plant germplasm; grow plants in growth chambers and greenhouses.
• Troubleshoot and optimize protocols; write and maintain SOPs.
• Train students, technicians, and postdocs in molecular techniques and lab practices.
• Order supplies, reagents, and equipment; track spending against grant budgets.
• Maintain inventories of reagents, seeds, plasmids, and strains; ensure safety compliance.
• Onboard new lab members and coordinate shared schedules and lab meetings.
• Support grant progress reports and data management; update lab website as needed.

Skills

Molecular biology

Lab organization

Clear communication

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology / plant biology / genetics / biochemistry

Tools

PCR/qPCR

Gel electrophoresis

Cloning

Sterile technique

Plant transformation

CRISPR/Cas9

Job description

The Gehan Lab at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri, is seeking a full-time Research Associate to apply plant molecular biology expertise to ongoing projects and to lead lab organization.

The role blends hands-on bench work with lab administration and mentoring of staff and students. With mentorship from the PI, the successful candidate will run molecular experiments, train lab members, manage germplasm, and oversee purchasing, safety, and day-to-day operations in a