Scientist - Gene Editing

RiceTec is the global leader in hybrid rice seed and trait technology and its product directly benefit farmers and consumers across rice growing areas. As a member of RiceTec’s global research organization, the candidate will work in a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing superior hybrid rice seed and trait technologies to address specific critical needs of rice growers around the globe.

The Gene Editing Scientist position will focus on working within the existing gene editing team, to improve RiceTec’s gene editing process and editing technologies.  This position will be responsible for all aspects of identifying and advancing molecular solutions to improve editing efficiency in elite rice germplasm from in-silico design to validation at the bench. Candidate must be able to properly design experiments, gather and analyze data, and clearly communicate experimental results to a diverse stakeholder group both within and outside of the research group. This position will be integrated into an existing gene editing team and the candidate must be able to work alongside staff with varying skill and experience levels, from technicians to scientists, to advance program goals.  The candidate may also contribute to the development of and securing Intellectual Property (IP).

The person filling this position must perform well independently and in a team environment, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and possess demonstrable scientific expertise in genome editing. This position represents a full-time career opportunity in an exciting dynamic environment serving a broad range of research and development needs of a Life Sciences Company.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Gene Editing Technology           

• • Applies bioinformatic and gene editing protein structure/ functional knowledge, to improve genome editing tools and processes for use in rice germplasm. Scouts and evaluates novel GE technologies that may support project goals.
  • Supports the development of novel molecular designs, assays, cell delivery technologies, and protocol development and optimization, including providing training to junior Molecular Biology lab staff to properly execute complex tasks, to increase quality, efficacy, and throughput of editing pipeline.
  • Designs, conduct, and analyzes experiments to make data-driven recommendations and drive direction of overall technical strategy across projects.
  • Prepares reports with large data sets and clearly communicates results to stakeholders including managers, Research Leadership, and Scientific Advisory Board.

Program management

• • Understand business objectives and apply this knowledge to operate an innovative optimization program that delivers novel genome editing technology to a dynamic product discovery pipeline.

IP support          

• • Makes contributions to technology and IP portfolio by inventing and optimizing novel enzymes able to edit eukaryotic DNA, including supporting filing of IP protection.

Scientific outreach      

• • Actively engage the external scientific community to scout for new innovations, to identify opportunities for research partnerships, and to establish RiceTec as an important contributor to the scientific community.

Team management      

• • Directly supervise a small team of GE lab staff with both molecular biology and tissue culture responsibilities.

Other duties as assigned

On-Site work required.

EDUCATION

• • Ph.D. in Cellular & Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Plant Biology, or a related field with at least three years of industry or postdoc experience is required.
  • 5+ years of Gene Editing industry experience.

EXPERIENCE

• • Integrated knowledge and understanding of genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR systems and their applications such as multiplexing, base editing, homology directed repair.
  • Demonstrated experience and expertise in guide RNA structure prediction, design, and engineering in the context of CRISPR gene editing.
  • Ability to apply a practical understanding of how genome editing outcomes are impacted by cellular DNA repair pathways to develop strategies for maximizing preferred outcomes.
  • Ability to interpret and utilize Next Generation Sequencing data to drive experimental progress and decision-making.
  • A consistent record of delivering impactful results, which may include publications in leading scientific journals.
  • Experience and knowledge in safe laboratory practices, including use of PPE, SDSs, and handling and disposal of laboratory waste.
  • Prior demonstrable experience in optimizing existing genome editing enzymes and development of novel genome editing tools.
  • Knowledge and experience of plant systems and plant molecular biology in agricultural crops; in plant tissue culture and hands-on experience in protoplasts extraction, transfection preferred; in plant gene expression and transformation vector design and optimization.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and follow-up on work assignments while maintaining accurate records.
  • Ability to effectively communicate to a diverse range of individuals and audiences include other scientists, internal stakeholders, and business partners.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships within and across teams and functions.
  • Ability to explain, demonstrate, and provide hands-on training to junior lab staff on proper execution of complex molecular biology protocols.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Travel
  • Must be available for occasional domestic and international travel.
• Benchwork including highly repetitive tasks; handle boxes of supplies; work with equipment requiring hearing protection and other PPE as needed.  This position is 100% onsite and will require after hours and weekend work during peak workloads.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Expected to perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and physical requirements of this role with or without reasonable accommodation within the described work environment.

Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work and training locations may include office and warehouse environments.  May also include dry, muddy, or flooded fields, and other outside environmental situations including extreme heat/cold, rainy, or sunny conditions.

RiceTec, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.