Plant Molecular Biology Research Associate I

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Inc; Missouri; On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gehan Lab at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri, seeks a full-time Research Associate I or II to contribute plant molecular biology expertise and to lead lab organization.

The role blends bench research with lab administration, training staff, organizing germplasm, and coordinating safety and day-to-day operations. You will design and perform experiments (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning, and gene editing) and generate transgenic lines, while maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, plant biology, genetics, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Molecular biology lab experience (academic or industry).
• Expertise in core techniques: nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, and sterile technique.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage several priorities at once.
• Clear written and verbal communication; comfortable training others.

Responsibilities

• Plant Molecular biology research (about 70%): Design and carry out molecular experiments, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and qRT-PCR, cloning, and plasmid construction.
• Generate and characterize transgenic and gene-edited plant lines; genotype mutant and segregating populations.
• Prepare samples for sequencing (RNA-seq, amplicon, whole-genome).
• Organize and track plant germplasm; grow and maintain plants in growth chambers, greenhouses, and phenotyping facilities.

Skills

Molecular biology

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR/qPCR

Cloning

Gene editing (CRISPR/Cas9)

Experiment design

Lab training

Record-keeping

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or related field

Tools

PCR machines

qPCR instruments

Gel electrophoresis

Cloning kits

CRISPR/Cas9 tools

Growth chambers/greenhouses equipment

Job description

The Gehan Lab at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri, seeks a full-time Research Associate I or II to contribute plant molecular biology expertise and to lead lab organization.

The role blends bench research with lab administration, training staff, organizing germplasm, and coordinating safety and day-to-day operations. You will design and perform experiments (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning, and gene editing) and generate transgenic lines, while maintaining