Scientist, Plant Physiology

Quercus Bio; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Quercus Biosolutions seeks a hands-on scientist to study how proteins and bioactive molecules enter plants and reach sites of action. You will combine plant physiology, microscopy, and quantitative assays to guide discovery and development.

The role is in our St. Louis, MO office, requiring collaboration with internal teams and CROs. Email a cover letter and resume to [e-mail] for consideration and growth in a venture-backed environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent with plant biology research experience.
• Experience in protein localization, imaging workflows, and quantification.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate CRO studies and external collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Characterize molecular uptake, distribution, and transport in plants.
• Develop fluorescence and confocal microscopy workflows across scales.
• Build quantitative imaging methods with proper controls.
• Assess how anatomy, environment, and formulation affect uptake.
• Connect imaging results with molecular abundance and physiology.
• Establish reproducible growth and experimental systems for model species.
• Coordinate internal and CRO studies, timelines, and data quality.
• Collaborate with protein science, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and computational teams.
• Document experiments and standardize successful methods.

Skills

Protein localization

Live-cell imaging

Fluorescence microscopy

Endocytosis/transport

Root physiology

Image analysis

CRO coordination

Tissue preparation

Quantitative assays

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant discipline

Master's with substantial research experience

Tools

Confocal microscopy

ImageJ/Fiji

R

Python

Job description

We seek a hands-on scientist to study how proteins and other bioactive molecules enter plants, move through tissues, and reach their sites of action. You will combine plant physiology, microscopy, and quantitative assays to guide discovery and development.

Working with internal teams and contract research organizations (CROs), you will develop methods, coordinate experiments, and translate findings into research decisions. This is an in-office role based in our St. Louis, MO office. Email a cover letter and resume to [e-mail] .

Key Responsibilities

• Characterize molecular uptake, distribution, cellular entry, and transport in plants.
• Develop fluorescence and confocal microscopy workflows across biological scales.
• Build quantitative imaging methods with controls for surface binding, internalization, and artifacts.
• Assess how anatomy, development, environment, and formulation affect uptake and transport.
• Connect imaging results with molecular abundance, integrity, and physiological responses.
• Establish reproducible growth and experimental systems for model and crop species.
• Coordinate internal and CRO studies, protocols, samples, timelines, and data quality.
• Partner across protein science, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and computational research.
• Document experiments, communicate findings, and standardize successful methods.

Required Qualifications

• Protein localization, fluorescent tracers, live-cell imaging, or tissue preparation.
• Cuticle permeability, cell-wall or membrane biology, endocytosis, or vascular transport.
• Root physiology, nutrient uptake and allocation, or environmental responses.
• Protein detection, immunolocalization, or analytical quantification.
• Image analysis, automated phenotyping, ImageJ/Fiji, R, or Python.
• Custom experimental systems, equipment, or workflows.
• Research coordination with CROs, shared facilities, or external collaborators.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, or a master's with substantial research experience.
• Strong plant physiology foundation and interest in uptake, transport, or intracellular trafficking.
• Hands-on fluorescence or confocal microscopy and quantitative imaging experience.
• Demonstrated assay development, troubleshooting, and validation skills.
• Controlled-environment plant research experience.
• Sound experimental design, controls, statistics, and reproducibility practices.
• Independence, clear communication, and effective collaboration with internal and external teams.

Why Join Us?

Quercus Biosolutions is an early-stage, venture-backed biotech company using generative AI to design and engineer novel mini-proteins with potent, targeted biological activity. Our first products focus on crop protection, where we are building a pipeline of next-generation bioherbicides at the intersection of protein engineering, AI, and agriculture.

Join the team and help solve a central challenge in agricultural biotechnology: getting promising molecules to the right place in a plant. Shape a growing research platform with scientific creativity, ownership, and direct impact on product development. We offer a competitive benefits package, including a monthly health allowance, PTO, a 401(k) with company match, and a significant equity opportunity.