Research Associate

Quercus Bio; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing agricultural biotechnology company is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support both plant biology and protein biology research. The role involves executing experiments, preparing reagents, and maintaining lab operations. Ideal candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and have hands-on lab experience. This full-time, in-office position is based in Madison, WI, and offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative agricultural solutions.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience through coursework, internships, or prior research roles.
• Familiarity with basic molecular biology, biochemistry, or plant biology techniques.
• Experience working with plants, including greenhouse or field research environments.

Responsibilities

• Execute routine laboratory experiments supporting plant biology and protein biology.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and media following established protocols.
• Accurately collect and organize experimental data.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Agronomy, Biochemistry, or related field

Tools

Electronic lab notebooks

Job description

Quercus is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support both plant biology and protein biology research activities across our discovery and development programs. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist to gain broad, hands-on experience at the intersection of molecular biology, protein science, and applied plant research within a growing agricultural biotechnology company.

The Research Associate will play a critical role in executing experiments, preparing reagents and media, maintaining laboratory operations, and collecting and reporting high-quality experimental data. This individual will work closely with the protein biochemists, plant scientists, and external partners to ensure efficient and reproducible execution of Quercus’s research objectives. 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

• Execute routine and semi-routine laboratory experiments supporting plant biology and protein biology programs.
• Assist with plant-based assays, greenhouse or growth chamber experiments, and sample collection as needed.
• Support protein biology workflows, including protein expression, purification, and activity or characterization assays.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, media, and consumables following established protocols.
• Accurately collect, document, and organize experimental data in laboratory notebooks and digital systems.
• Perform basic data analysis and contribute to the preparation of summaries, reports, and presentations.
• Maintain laboratory organization, inventory, and equipment to support efficient day-to-day operations.
• Follow laboratory safety guidelines and contribute to a culture of quality, rigor, and reproducibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Agronomy, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field or equivalent training and experience in horticulture or agriculture.
• Hands-on laboratory experience through coursework, internships, or prior research roles.
• Familiarity with basic molecular biology, biochemistry, or plant biology techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to generating high-quality, reproducible data.
• Ability to follow written protocols and troubleshoot with guidance from senior scientists.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with plants, including greenhouse, growth chamber, or field research environments.
• Exposure to recombinant protein expression or basic protein assays.
• Prior experience in an industry, startup, or applied research setting.
• Familiarity with electronic lab notebooks or data management systems.

What We’re Looking For

• A hands-on, curious scientist eager to learn and grow within a fast-paced biotech environment.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and motivated to support impactful science from the bench.
• Excited to contribute to innovative agricultural solutions with real-world 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] .