Research Scientist

Elevate Ventures; Atlanta (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Insignum AgTech is seeking a motivated Plant Molecular Biologist Research Scientist to join our Plant Biotechnology Research team in the United States. You will lead gene editing, molecular analyses, and genotyping across multiple crops, including maize, canola, and soy, contributing to fast‑moving, cross‑functional projects.

Your work will involve cloning, vector design, sequencing, plant transformation, and mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in a related field with plant biology focus.
• Demonstrated experience with plant gene editing.
• Experience with in-silico software tools such as Geneious or SnapGene.
• Strong track record delivering molecular biology results (DNA and gene expression).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a lab team, with good communication.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; teamwork in diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct plant gene editing molecular biology experiments including cloning, vector design, and construction.
• Perform genomic sequencing experiments and analysis.
• Transform plants and handle plant tissue cultures.
• Communicate results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Occasionally work outdoors to analyze plant phenotypes or participate in field experiments.
• Supervise junior staff such as technicians and interns.
• Write manuscripts for peer‑review and contribute to grant applications.
• Collaborate with team for continuous improvement and maintain a safe work environment.

Skills

Plant molecular biology

Gene editing

Genotyping

In-silico tools

Independent & collaborative work

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Microbiology, or similar field

Tools

Geneious

SnapGene

Job description

About Insignum AgTech

Insignum AgTech develops new crop traits out of plant DNA that enable plants to turn color when potential stresses appear, such as disease, insect pests, or low fertility. Utilizing plants’ natural pigments, our technology helps farmers optimize crop production by using in-season management strategies exactly when, precisely where, and only if necessary. Our novel, cis-genic, gene edited traits will make a real-world impact on the way crops are grown. Future products include traits that use other natural colors, like red or blue, to signal for other stresses in multiple crop species. These solutions are simple to adopt, easy to see, and ready to make a scalable impact. We are agricultural scientists, with farming backgrounds, fueled by a passion for plant science and biotechnology. Come help us build the future of farming.

See more at www.insignum.ag.

Description:

Insignum AgTech is seeking motivated and talented Plant Molecular Biologist Research Scientist to join our Plant Biotechnology Research team. This individual will be responsible for gene editing, molecular biology, plant genotyping, among other responsibilities. Research will be conducted on multiple crop species, including maize, canola, and soy. The successful candidate must demonstrate flexibility in addressing diverse challenges within a rapidly evolving organization. Critical analysis of strategies and results is paramount.

The successful candidate will contribute to a culture of believing in the possible, unafraid of failure in the pursuit of excellence. They must perform as an individual contributor as they collaborate and share responsibility as a team. At Insignum, ownership has no boundaries. Whether it’s fieldwork or strategic planning, we step up, learn quickly, and grow through every challenge. Stay curious, learn fast, adapt faster, and take on what’s next. We set ambitious goals – occasional overtime may be required to meet project milestones.

Within the interview process, you may be required to demonstrate your molecular biology skills in silico.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct plant gene editing molecular biology, including cloning, vector design and construction.
• Perform genomic sequencing experiments and analysis.
• Transform plants and handle plant tissue cultures.
• Communicate results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Occasionally, may be required to work outdoors to analyze plant phenotypes or participate in field experiments.
• Supervise junior staff members, such as technicians and interns.
• Write manuscripts for peer-review, such as journal articles or patent applications, and contribute to grant applications.
• Work with team members for your and their continuous improvement.
• Maintain a safe work environment for yourself and others.

Key qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Microbiology, or similar field.
• Demonstrated experience with plant gene editing.
• Experience with in-silico software tools, such as Geneious or SnapGene, e.g.
• Strength in delivering molecular biological results, both DNA and gene expression.
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a lab setting.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in a diverse team of scientists and associates.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US at the time of application.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise with advanced molecular biology techniques.
• Hands-on experience in handling Agrobacterium as a vector.
• Familiarity and understanding of plant physiology.
• Proven ability to manage and maintain laboratory instruments for accuracy and reliability.