Molecular Genetics Scientist

About the Opportunity

The Molecular Genetics Scientist will be responsible for leading and developing a small team to implement new and existing molecular genetics technologies across all berry crops to generate datasets and insights for plant breeding and variety advancement decisions. This role will use in-depth knowledge of best practices to develop, lead, and supervise the integration of pan-genomics tools to develop sub-genome specific trait-marker designs and assays for breeding targets important to consumers, growers, and retailers such as flavor, biotic and abiotic stress resiliency, and productivity.

Additionally, this role will develop, lead, and supervise lab activities related to causal gene identification and validation in traditional and precision breeding workflows, and will be a strategic adviser to the Breeding Technology Lab Lead in the development of a rolling strategic roadmap of science activities for the lab-based components of predictive and precision breeding. This role will also develop and execute annual project plans of science activities aligned to the strategic roadmap to achieve organizational initiatives.

The Molecular Genetics Scientist will work independently to continuously improve workflows, implementing best practices of process improvement, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment to drive successful project outcomes. Responsibilities include communicating progress regularly to project stakeholders through meetings and written reports, ensuring equipment receives regular maintenance to support efficient and effective lab activities, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

This role will execute on project goals and timelines involving cross-functional teams and stay current with the techniques and data solutions that would aid Driscolls in accomplishing our mission. This is an exciting research opportunity to explore the genetic potential and phenotypic diversity of traits in the development of superior Driscolls berry varieties.

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and supervise the integration of pan-genomics tools to develop sub-genome specific trait-marker designs and assays for breeding targets.
• Develop, lead, and supervise lab activities related to causal gene identification and validation.
• Advise the Breeding Technology Lead in developing a rolling strategic roadmap of science activities to achieve organizational initiatives.
• Develop and execute an annual project plan of science activities aligned to the strategic roadmap to achieve organizational initiatives.
• Maintain current knowledge with emerging technologies in genotyping, sequencing, pan-genomics, and precision breeding to evaluate and integrate new tools that enhance throughput or resolution.
• Lead, supervise, and perform activities of daily operation, maintenance, and quality control of platforms and workstreams to ensure prompt turnaround from received sample to delivered result.
• Lead, supervise, and perform regular updates and maintenance of lab databases to reflect accurate inventory and data collection workstreams.
• Perform data analysis, data reporting, and communicate findings through written, oral reports, and presentations.
• Demonstrate consistent project leadership by fostering a collaborative and innovative environment to drive successful project outcomes through meetings and written reports.
• Recruit and manage technical staff to ensure robust learning and career development consistent with the Companys values.
• Keep a stocked, clean, and orderly laboratory to promote safety and productivity.
• Keep up-to-date digital lab notebooks and contribute to SOPs.
• Continually develop professional network, leadership, and technical skills through attendance of breeding summits, conferences, symposia, and workshops.
• Lead lab tours as needed.
• Represents Driscolls in an ethical and business-like professional manner in all interactions with growers, co-workers, suppliers, customers and the business community at large.
• Ensure Driscolls confidential and proprietary information and materials.
• Domestic and international travel required as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Candidate Profile

• Ph.D. degree in molecular genetics, biochemistry, plant science, plant breeding, biology, or a similar discipline.
• 4-6 years experience in Molecular Genetics and Research and Development; 2-4 years experience in bioinformatics and in trait-linker marker design; 1-2 years experience in pan-genomics and precision breeding.
• 2-4 years of people management experience.
• Prior academic or research laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and modify molecular genetic workflows including sample preparation, DNA and RNA extractions, instrument methods, and data analysis.
• Hands on experience operating lab instrumentation such as PCR, qPCR, Next Generation Sequencing is required.
• Experience with statistical data analysis software e.g. JMP, R, SAS, etc.
• Ability to work with dynamic and diverse team of researchers and scientists.
• Be able to work in both a research lab and outdoor field environment.
• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Intermediate experience using spreadsheet application.
• Advanced experience supporting analytical workflows including sample preparation, instrument operation and maintenance.
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands on experience with advanced precision breeding techniques and associated workflows.
• Significant exposure to predictive breeding workflows.
• Hands on experience using high performance computing environment for bioinformatic pipelines.
• Hands on experience in the operation and maintenance of automated liquid handling robotics and their associated workflows.
• Drivers license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program.
• A valid passport and ability to travel internationally without restrictions.

Compensation and Benefits

The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted. The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.

Salary Range estimated for the Molecular Genetics Scientist: $94,620.00/year to $123,000.00/year.

Driscolls is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week. Other benefits include: 401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP). More detailed information regarding the benefits package, will be shared during the application process.

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