Senior Research Associate Genome Editing Molecular Characterization

Vylor; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Well-being pay

Job summary

Vylor Inc. in Johnston, IA, is seeking a Senior Research Associate in Genome Editing Molecular Characterization to advance CRISPR-based tool development. This lab-focused role emphasizes nucleic acid work, NGS library prep, and high-throughput analyses with minimal supervision.

The candidate will drive technology development, troubleshoot procedures, and mentor junior staff while collaborating across teams to ensure robust, scalable workflows.

Qualifications

• Master of Science degree with 2+ years in molecular biology or diagnostic lab, or bachelor’s with substantial industry experience.
• Experience with genome editing applications and molecular characterization of edited events.
• Proficiency in nucleic acid applications including DNA/RNA isolation, NGS, PCR, qPCR, and digital PCR.
• High-throughput data analysis using Python and/or R.
• Experience with Geneious or similar software; Benchling and LIMS familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate qPCR, digital PCR, and amplicon-based NGS assays for gene-edited events at high throughput.
• Participate in technology development and process improvement studies with experimental plans and data analysis.
• Mentor and train researchers on molecular workflows and analysis methods.
• Provide technical support and collaborate with the team in a respectful environment.
• Follow safety policies and maintain accurate records of experiments.

Skills

Python

R

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Master of Science in Molecular Biology / Biotechnology / Plant Science / Plant Genetics

Bachelor’s degree with substantial industry experience (8–10+ years)

Tools

Geneious

Benchling

LIMS

NGS library prep

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.