Senior Research Associate, Delivery & Transformation (Contract)

flagshippioneeringinc; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Terrana Biosciences is seeking a Contract Senior Research Associate to join the Delivery and Transformation team in Durham, NC. You will operate within a collaborative, interdisciplinary group to advance RNA-based plant delivery technologies and translate discovery into product-ready steps.

The role emphasizes organization, meticulous record-keeping, and strong communication. Candidates should have 5+ years of lab experience with plant biology, protoplast transient expression, and delivery

Qualifications

• BS in Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline with 5+ years lab exp or MS with 3+ years exp.
• Experience with protoplast transient expression systems.
• Experience in plant delivery techniques (Agrobacterium, biolistic, nanoparticle, viral).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work with diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Establish and use plant protoplast transient expression systems
• Phenotype plants for disease symptoms
• Work with a team of researchers to innovate, optimize, and execute plant delivery and transformation methods
• Troubleshoot transformation protocols, solve complex problems, and propose solutions related to transformation methods and bioassays

Skills

Communication

Protoplast transient expression

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

BS in Plant Science/related field

MS in related field

Tools

Protoplast transient expression systems

Agrobacterium

Biolistic delivery

Nanoparticle delivery

Viral delivery

Job description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Founded through Flagship Pioneering's venture creation engine, Terrana Biosciences is a cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based products to address global agricultural challenges. We are committed to advancing sustainable farming solutions through precision technologies that ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

THE ROLE

Are you a highly motivated and driven researcher who wants to contribute to developing products? We are seeking a determined, impact-driven Contract Senior Research Associate for a role on the Delivery and Transformation team. The successful candidate will be highly organized and comfortable working as an integral member of a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment. Excellent communication, record-keeping, and teamwork skills will be critical.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and use plant protoplast transient expression systems
• Phenotype plants for disease symptoms
• Work with a team of researchers to innovate, optimize, and execute various plant delivery and transformation methods
• Troubleshoot transformation protocols, solve complicated experimental problems, and propose solutions related to transformation methods and bioassays

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• BS in Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline and 5+ years of professional laboratory experience or MS in one of these fields and 3+ years of professional laboratory experience
• Experience working in industry a plus
• Experience with protoplast transient expression systems
• Experience in one or multiple plant delivery techniques, including Agrobacterium, biolistic, nanoparticle, and viral
• Experience with plant disease symptom phenotyping
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with a diverse interdisciplinary team
• Demonstrated organizational and record-keeping skills
• Experience with project management or leadership experience
• Enthusiasm for science and willingness to adapt to the changing needs of a fast-paced research and development effort

LOCATION

Location: Durham, North Carolina

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity's most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.

Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE's "Change the World" list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer . All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification . If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, we are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your background and interest in Flagship.

RECRUITMENT & STAFFING AGENCIES

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies : Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, "FSP") do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.