Research Associate - Plant Biology

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Company Summary:

FL70, Inc is one of the latest companies founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics, Rubius Therapeutics, and Evelo Therapeutics were conceived and created. Since Flagship’s founding in 2000, the firm has originated and fostered the development of nearly 100 scientific ventures resulting in $19+ billion in aggregate value, 500+ issued patents, and more than 50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents. FL70 is integrating the latest developments in molecular biology and plant biology to create a new platform technology that enables adaptive, targeted and sustainable solutions in agriculture. 

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive, and detail-oriented research associate to join our team. This role will support our research team by performing plant production, protoplast isolation and plant tissue culture maintenance. The successful candidate is highly organized, comfortable working in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, and an integral part of a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team. Excellent communication, record-keeping, and teamwork will be critical.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Support plant production including planting, watering, fertilizing, and monitoring growth conditions
  • Collaborate with scientists and research assistants to conduct plant infection assays, insect bioassays and microbial assays
  • Perform plant tissue culturing, protoplast isolation, transfection, and sample processing
  • Strong organizational and record-keeping skills
  • Assist with lab management tasks, including ordering and general organization

Required skills:

  • Strong expertise in plant care and plant tissue culture
  • Experience with molecular biology techniques including qPCR, Western blot and NGS library preparation
  • Experience with plant-microbial assays
  • Experience with insect rearing and colony maintenance
  • Experience with bacterial culture or other microbes
  • Excellent communications skills and ability to work with a diverse interdisciplinary team

Minimum qualifications:

  • BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology, Microbiology or a related discipline
  • 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience, experience working in industry is a plus
  • Enthusiasm for science and willingness to adapt to the changing needs of a fast-paced research and development effort.
  • Adaptive and a quick learner, efficient in multi-tasking and trouble-shooting.
  • A strong self-starter, results oriented with a strong attention to detail.

Location: Cambridge, MA