Research Scientist—Plant Transformation and Tissue Culture

CLEMU Clemson University; Clemson (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University in Clemson, SC, is seeking a researcher to execute plant transformation and tissue culture workflows, manage greenhouse advancement, and analyze data for multiple constructs. The role emphasizes planning, quality control, and collaboration across molecular biology and greenhouse teams.

The position supports grant-funded activities with a 37.5-hour work week and a salary range of $70,000–$80,000, dependent on experience and Clemson guidelines.

Responsibilities

• 35% - Execute plant transformation and tissue culture workflows for multiple concurrent constructs, including explant preparation, gene delivery, selection, regeneration, rooting, acclimatization, and transfer to controlled-environment growth.
• 25% - Manage transgenic and gene-edited plant advancement through greenhouse establishment, plant care, sampling, generation advancement, controlled pollination, seed production, and preparation for downstream molecular, physiological, fiber, or agronomic evaluation.
• 20% - Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data related to transformation efficiency, regeneration, plant development, trait expression, and greenhouse phenotypes; maintain records; prepare data summaries, figures, and reports; communicate progress to the Director and teams; recommend advancement or discontinuation of events.
• 10% - Optimize and troubleshoot transformation, tissue culture, and plant-growth protocols to improve throughput, reproducibility, plant quality, cycle time, and genotype flexibility; investigate failures and ensure safety, biosafety, quality, and documentation.
• 10% - Prepare and communicate scientific outputs by contributing to manuscripts, conference presentations, technical reports, SOPs, and grant proposals; review literature and collaborate with program teams to support objectives.

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

JOB DUTIES

• 35% - Execute plant transformation and tissue culture workflows for multiple concurrent constructs, including explant preparation, gene delivery, selection, regeneration, rooting, acclimatization, and transfer to controlled-environment growth. Plan and prioritize experiments to meet project timelines while maintaining accurate construct, sample, and event traceability.
• 25% - Manage transgenic and gene-edited plant advancement through greenhouse establishment, plant care, sampling, generation advancement, controlled pollination, seed production, and preparation for downstream molecular, physiological, fiber, or agronomic evaluation. Coordinate plant inventories and experimental schedules to ensure healthy plants and timely delivery of research materials.
• 20% - Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data related to transformation efficiency, regeneration, plant development, trait expression, and greenhouse phenotypes. Maintain complete experimental records; prepare data summaries, figures, and technical reports; communicate progress, risks, and results to the Director and collaborating research teams; and recommend advancement or discontinuation of individual events.
• 10% - Optimize and troubleshoot transformation, tissue culture, and plant-growth protocols to improve throughput, reproducibility, plant quality, cycle time, and genotype flexibility. Investigate technical failures, contamination, abnormal plant development, and variable phenotype performance while supporting laboratory safety, biosafety, quality, and documentation requirements.
• 10% - Prepare and communicate scientific research outputs by contributing to peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, technical reports, standard operating procedures, and grant proposals. Review relevant scientific literature and collaborate with Molecular Biology, Recombinant DNA, greenhouse, phenotyping, bioinformatics, and other program teams to support integrated research objectives.

JOB CODE: UK07 EMPLOYEE TYPE: Temporary Grant (TGP) Staff A Ph.D. and relevant program experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Not responsible for supervising employees.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Walk or move about: % Recognize or inspect visually: % Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: % Extends hands or arms in any direction: % Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: %

WORKING CONDITIONS

None: %

WORK SCHEDULE

Standard Hours: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Expected Salary Range 70000 - 80000 Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives, and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION

Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE

September 30, 2026

MILITARY & VETERAN

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties. Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.