Senior Research Associate Genome Editing Molecular Characterization

Vylor Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO and wellbeing pay

Parental leave

Retirement savings plan

Tuition reimbursement

Development opportunities

Job summary

Vylor is seeking a Senior Research Associate for Genome Editing Molecular Characterization in Johnston, Iowa. This lab-based role focuses on developing and validating high-throughput qPCR, digital PCR, and amplicon-based NGS assays to characterize gene-edited events, with substantial data analysis input.

You will mentor junior staff, aid in new technology development, and ensure rigorous data management while collaborating across teams to advance CRISPR-based genome editing capabilities.

Qualifications

• Master of Science in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Plant Science, Plant Genetics, or related disciplines with 2+ years in a molecular biology or diagnostic lab, or a bachelor’s degree with 8–10+ years in a related role.
• Required experience with genome editing applications and molecular characterization of edited events with troubleshooting proficiency.
• Preferred: nucleic acid applications including DNA/RNA isolation, NGS, PCR, qPCR, and digital PCR.
• Preferred: high-throughput data science analysis using python and/or R.
• Preferred: Geneious or comparable DNA/RNA sequence analysis software.
• Experience with high-throughput laboratory automation is helpful.
• Proven ability to develop and optimize assays and maintain accurate records.
• Strong written and verbal communication and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate qPCR, digital PCR, and amplicon-based NGS assays to characterize gene-edited events at high throughput.
• Participate in technology development, hypothesis testing, data collection and analysis.
• Mentor and train research associates and interns on molecular workflows and analysis methods.
• Provide technical support and conduct experiments with a collaborative team spirit.
• Follow safety policies and maintain a safe working environment.

Skills

Data analysis

Python

R

Team collaboration

Documentation

Problem solving

Education

Master of Science in Molecular Biology

Bachelor’s degree with substantial industry experience

Tools

Benchling

Geneious

LIMS

Job description

Join Vylor-Powering the Future of Agriculture

At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on.

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

Vylor is looking for a Senior Research Associate Genome Editing Molecular Characterization to join the Genome Editing Molecular Characterization team in Johnston, Iowa advancing the discovery, characterization, and deployment of CRISPR genome editing tools. This is a lab-based role with a substantial data component. The successful candidate will support gene editing technology development by completing nucleic acid based molecular tasks including DNA/RNA extractions, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) library prep, qPCR, and digital PCR. Additionally, this candidate will complete high throughput data science analysis using various software applications and processing through internal pipelines and automation. Candidate will be expected to drive technology development and optimization with minimal supervision and able to troubleshoot procedures as needed.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and validate reliable qPCR, digital PCR, and amplicon-based NGS assays to characterize gene-edited events at high throughput.
• Participate in new technology development or process improvement studies – activities include experimental plans, testing of hypothesis, making observations, data collection, and analysis.
• Mentor and train research associates and interns on molecular workflows and analysis methods serve as a go-to technical resource for troubleshooting.
• Provide technical support and conduct experiments with a respectful, collaborative, and positive team spirit.
• Follow company safety policies, protocols, and procedures, and ensure a safe working environment for self and team members.

What You Need:

• Master of Science degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Plant Science, Plant Genetics, or related disciplines with demonstrated industry-related experience, typically gained through 2+ years in a molecular biology or diagnostic laboratory setting, or bachelor’s degree with substantial relevant industry experience, typically gained through 8–10+ years in a related role preferred.
• Required experience with genome editing applications and molecular characterization of edited events with additional proficiency to troubleshoot molecular biology processes, assays, and applications.
• Preferred candidates will have demonstrated proficiency in specific nucleic acid molecular applications including DNA/RNA isolation, NGS, PCR, qPCR, and digital PCR.
• Preferred candidates will have high throughput experience in data science analysis of gene edited samples with skillsets in python and/or R for data manipulation.
• Experience with Geneious or comparable DNA/RNA sequence analysis software program is preferred.
• Participate in innovative technology development or process improvement studies – activities include experimental plans, testing of hypothesis, making observations, data collection, and analysis.
• Experience with high-throughput laboratory automation would be helpful.
• Proven abilities in developing and optimizing assays for reliable use within a pipeline.
• Proven ability to maintain complete, accurate and timely records of experimental data and procedures.
• Demonstrated critical and creative thinking and problem-solving skills are essential needs for this position.
• Strong written and verbal communication to effectively document results and collaborate with colleagues.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment while also demonstrating independent problem-solving skills.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office software, and databases and/or LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) (Benchling preferred) systems.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Benefits – How We’ll Support You:

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program
• Learn more about our total rewards package here - Vylor Benefits
• Check out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.