Research Associate - Plant Transformation

About Inari...

Inari is the SEEDesign™ company. We embrace the diversity and complexity of nature in every aspect of our business to drive innovation – to push the boundaries of what is possible. Through our unrivaled technology platform, Inari uses predictive design and advanced multiplex gene editing to develop step-change products. We are taking a nature positive approach to unlock the full potential of seeds that will transform the food system. The results will lead to more productive acres delivering value creation for farmers and a more sustainable future for our planet.

Our success is dependent on great minds, collaborating to generate bright ideas and deliver exceptional outcomes.

We have 200 employees, with research sites in Cambridge, MA (USA) and Ghent (Belgium), as well as a product development site in West Lafayette, IN (USA). We’ve deliberately built a team that brings diversity of thought to all aspects of our business, to generate new ideas, approaches, and ways of operating. And we've intentionally combined experience with potential, bringing agriculture industry experts with the desire to innovate together with bright minds from academia, human therapeutics, software, and consulting. If you want to be part of a diverse and inclusive team developing unique solutions to feed the world while protecting our planet’s natural resources, we’d love to hear from you!

About the role...

We are looking for a dynamic and self-motivated Research Associate to join our fast-growing and collaborative Product Development team to work on plant transformation and tissue culture. This is a hands-on, lab-based role which requires the ability to concentrate, pay attention to details, work efficiently, troubleshoot, and work independently as well as in a team environment. The right candidate will be well-organized, flexible, and able to deliver high-quality results on time. This position will be located at our West Lafayette, IN site.

AS A RESEARCH ASSOCIATE YOU WILL....

• Perform plant transformation in multiple, commercially relevant crops using established production protocols.
• Support the genome editing production pipeline by developing and optimizing transformation methods, testing and validating novel transformation technologies, and continuously improving processes to increase scale and efficiency.
• Collaborate with Scientists and Research Associates to execute experiments, conduct analyses, and record data.
• Initiate and maintain in-vitro plant cultures in a high throughput setting.
• Maintain a clean working environment for plant tissue culture experiments.
• Keep detailed and organized records of work, project data, and other necessary information.
• Work with colleagues to troubleshoot and develop effective solutions when problems arise.
• Participate in scientific discussions and present research outcomes to peers and management.
• Spend up to 80% of your daily work hours in the lab, working at a laminar flow hood, lab bench and/or growth chambers and using tissue culture tools (e.g., forceps, scalpels).
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

YOU BRING…

• Bachelor's degree, or Associate degree plus 1–2 years of lab experience.
• Experience with dicot and/or monocot plant tissue culture and genetic transformation technologies.
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques.
• Experience with bacterial cell culture.
• Understanding of microbiology and molecular biology principles/techniques.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent planning, organization, and execution skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Initiative and sound judgment with a willingness to take on additional responsibilities to meet goals.
• Positive attitude with strong interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility, adaptability and ability to constructively challenge the status quo.
• Creativity and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach and focus on execution.
• Curiosity and desire to continuously learn and have a meaningful impact.
• Collaborative mindset, open to giving and receiving feedback and ideas.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office suite applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)

BONUS QUALIFICATIONS...

• 1 year of industry experience in plant tissue culture.
• Hands-on, in-depth experience with dicot genetic transformation technologies.
• Experience in molecular biology.Proficiency with light and fluorescent microscopy.
• Proficiency with digital record keeping in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN)

Inari pays competitively and rewards results.
Whether you are full-time or part-time, Inari provide three different components of pay – base, short-term incentive, and long-term equity along with a one-time new hire stock option grant. That's rare!

We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including both a Preferred Provider Network (PPO) and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a company-funded health savings account (HSA), vision, dental, and several flexible spending accounts (FSA), a host of voluntary benefits, and a robust wellness program. In addition, Inari offers a 401k plan with a company matching and a flexible paid time off policy.

The salary range for this position is $59,410 - $81,689. Consistent with our commitment to pay transparency, salary range information is being disclosed. Please note that offers are based on the candidate's qualifications & experience as well as market demand.

Inari is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Learn more about us:

About Inari: https://inari.com/about/

Multiplex Gene Editing – The Key to Unlocking the Full Potential of Seed: https://inari.com/multiplex-gene-editing-matters-for-the-population-the-planet-and-the-people-who-grow-our-food/

The Promise of AI in Plant Breeding: https://inari.com/the-promise-of-ai-in-plant-breeding-2/

Unseen Upside Podcast: AI & Agriculture – Data-Driven Fields, Resilient Futures: https://www.cambridgeassociates.com/podcasts/agriculture/

AgTech Breakthrough AgTech Company of the Year:  https://inari.com/inari-repeats-as-agtech-company-of-the-year/

Bloomberg: Inari AgTech Startup:  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-07/agtech-startup-inari-raises-equity-at-2-17-billion-valuation

BBC: Disaster-Proofing Crops: https://inari.com/bbc-news-how-crops-are-being-disaster-proofed/

Reuters: Gene Editing Wheat: https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/australian-trial-gene-edited-wheat-aims-10-bigger-yields-2024-05-23/#:~:text=CANBERRA%2C%20May%2023%20(Reuters),and%20make%20farming%20more%20sustainable

Inari at Databricks Data + AI Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJG-r3ob-n0

Job Applicant Privacy Notice: https://inari.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Job-Applicant-Privacy-Notice.pdf

FOR U.S. CANDIDATES: Please note that we use the resume you submit with your application during our background check process. To ensure an efficient and accurate background verification, we kindly ask that you carefully review and accurately represent your work history, education and other relevant information on your resume. Any discrepancies or inaccuracies found during the background check may impact your candidacy for the position. 

Inari Agriculture provides immigration sponsorship for candidates in certain qualified roles that meet performance criteria. However, the company will not provide sponsorship to H-1B candidates whose employment would require payment of the $100,000 fee mandated by the Presidential Proclamation “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.