Researcher 2 position to develop resistance against mycotoxigenic fungi in corn

Background: 2Blades is a unique, non-profit, agbiotech organization with leading expertise in plant science. We contribute to the global innovation chain by advancing and delivering genetic resistance to the most critical unmanaged pests and diseases of major crops. We work together with the public and private sectors to reduce crop disease and yield loss, improve farmers’ productivity and incomes, and achieve more sustainable agriculture. Our mission is to benefit large scale and smallholder farmers, and to date we have demonstrated resistance to some of the worst pathogens of wheat, soy, potato, tomato, and citrus.

The Position: A Researcher 2 position is available to join the 2Blades Group at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus. The successful applicant will be part of a group developing genetic resistance to mycotoxigenic fungi in cereal and legume crops, with the aim of delivering value to commercial partners and smallholder farmers. You will be responsible for planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments, and helping other laboratory members. Your responsibilities will include ensuring the smooth operations of the laboratory as well as liaising with support staff and suppliers.

Skills and experience required.

• BSc or MSc in biochemistry, plant or molecular biology, or a related field.

• At least three years’ experience as a Researcher/Technician or similar position in academia or industry.

• Practical knowledge of standard molecular biology techniques, including cloning, DNA purification, bacterial transformation, and PCR.

• Experience working with plant pathogens, especially hemibiotrophs, including pathogenicity assays.

• Able to independently design and perform experiments, including executing high-throughput screens.

• Experience in writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Experience in day-to-day lab operation and support, including reagent purchases, management of stock, management of gene libraries, and plant growth coordination.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to communicate with diverse staff, and work as part of a team.

• Excellent analysis and troubleshooting skills.

• Strong writing and reporting skills.

• Able to prioritize and good attention to detail.

• Experience with plant protoplasts and transfection assays a plus.

Consideration: A highly competitive compensation package commensurate with experience is available.

Location: The position will be based in St. Paul, MN. The 2Blades Group is hosted at the University of Minnesota (UMN) Twin Cities campus. UMN has a strong history of advancing science to produce tangible impacts in agriculture and provides an outstanding research environment for studies in plant pathology, pathogen biology, agronomy, and plant genetics. UMN has expertise on the impacts of mycotoxins on animals, exceptional resources in supercomputing, economic modeling of crop disease impact, and mitigation of invasive diseases and pests.

The Twin Cities is a vibrant metropolitan community with miles of bike paths, numerous lakes, and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, which are easily accessible from the campus. There is also easy access to state-of-the-art recreation and wellness facilities, with programs in everything from intramural sports to outdoor recreation and fitness programs.

Apply: Interested candidates should submit a one-page cover letter and a resume via email to Josiah Mutuku at 2BMN@2blades.org. No calls please. The position will remain open until filled.