Job ID: 11423

Field of Work: Research & Development

 Full Time?: Yes

Onsite/ Remote: Onsite

Join our team at the KWS Gateway Research Center as a Senior Research Associate who works on one or more projects, using multiple methods and practices relevant to molecular analysis of cells, tissues, and plants, as well as cloning.  At the KWS Gateway Research Center, we work to make a difference in seed technology research, advance knowledge, and improve product development efficiency resulting in a competitive advantage for KWS. We are seeking to recruit a Senior Research Associate for our Genome Editing team on a permanent, full-time basis in St. Louis, MO, USA. 

What are we looking for? The Senior Research Associate Genome Editing has multiple technical molecular and cell technology skills and can independently perform assignments that develop their professional work knowledge and abilities. In addition, the position demonstrates creative scientific expertise and the ability to identify problems and find solutions.

Essentials job functions:

• Conduct and direct experiments consisting of several methods or practices according to protocol with accuracy while meeting requirements.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, timely and organized records of experimental conditions, data and results.
• Consistently contribute to analysis of technical data and adaption of routine methods according to assignment needs.
• Optimize specific work processes as needed for specific methods and practices by assisting in the identification of problems and providing input on potential solutions.
• Design effective workflows for specific methods within an experiment, planning individual timelines and adapting approaches to match shifting demands in close collaboration with supervisor.
• Operate, maintain and clean equipment, maintain and/or order supplies and manage waste.
• Demonstrate leadership to build effective partnerships on technical programs and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Comply with and participate in development of work instructions that outline methods and practices to be applied.
• Assist with mentoring research associates and mentor interns without supervision.
• Ensure Company handbook, Rules, Guidelines, Procedures, and safety policies are followed, and personal protective equipment is used correctly.
• Meet attendance requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competences:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, or equivalent, with some laboratory or research experience; or other technical qualification with 3 or more years of laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated success in construct design and generation with seamless cloning methods (e.g. Golden Gate, In-Fusion)
• Demonstrated success using PCR methods to characterize tissues and cells (e.g. qPCR, ddPCR, Sanger sequencing) and ability to choose appropriate methods according to needs. Experience with automation and NGS is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to customize, optimize and develop protocols.
• Demonstrated ability for data analysis and trouble shooting.
• Demonstrated ability for multi-task and efficient time management.
• Ability to communicate and write clearly, concisely and accurately in English.
• Ability to follow protocol, visually observe and clearly document and maintain laboratory records to generate reproducible results.
• Demonstrated interest in participating in new technology development striving for technical excellence through collaboration, self-improvement, and an open mind.
• Must have the legal right to work in the United States without sponsorship.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary (salary range: $55,000-$63,000 based on qualifications)
• 20 days of PTO
• 401(k) employer match; health, dental, vision benefits
• An international and diverse team
• Professional training and development opportunities, tuition reimbursement 

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About KWS

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for more than 165 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for corn, sugar beet, cereals, potato, rapeseed, sunflowers and vegetables. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods. Around 6.000 employees represent KWS in more than 70 countries. For more information: www.kws.com/career. Follow us on LinkedIn® at https://linkedin.com/company/kwsgroup/.

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