Research Associate

About Loam

At Loam, we have the earth in our hands. As a team of scientists, farmers and entrepreneurs, we are on a mission to improve the world’s farmland and address climate change.We are developing microbial technology to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and build carbon in agricultural soils. We help farming businesses prosper by boosting yield and soil health and enabling access to carbon markets.

As a start-up with ambitious founders and investors, our work is fast-paced and multidimensional. We foster a supportive and diverse workplace, where every team member is encouraged to learn and grow beyond their area of expertise.

While everyone at Loam is working in different roles, we all have one job: to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it stably in farmer’s soils.

About the Role:
In this position, you will work under the direction of our scientists to assist in the successful execution of the Loam Bio R&D program. The US microbial laboratory program is designed to isolate, purify, characterise, screen, store and produce microbial samples, specimens and consortia. The role will also support efforts in molecular characterization of microbes /communities and greenhouse and field trial activities. Culturing, screening, and managing microbial collections is an additional critical component of the role. The role will focus on the implementation of internal operations in this area and collaboration with other Soil Carbon Co labs and those of collaborators. The research associate will work closely with internal and external lab-based research teams in protocol and compliance implementation, maintenance of relevant data, documentation, and inventory information.

The Research Associate will be responsible for:

• Knowledge of and compliance with all communicated permitting, protocol and safety standards
• Serve as an essential resource in areas of microbe isolation, production and screening
• Implement and optimize protocols for microbe sample processing
• Implement and optimize protocols for microbe isolation through library creation
• Track microbial sample and library inventories
• Implement laboratory screening protocols for microbe selection and characterization
• Implement biomaterials production and quality control for microbe R&D utilization

Location:

The role will be working out of our laboratories at University Enterprise Laboratories, 1000 Westgate Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55114

Requirements

About You:

• Bachelor’s in Plant Science, Plant Biology, Microbiology, or Soil Science with 1-3yrs of industry experience in isolation, screening of plant associated beneficial microbes/research experience in plant microbe interaction.
• Excellent microbial laboratory skills (sterile technique, record keeping, adherence to protocols, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to implement processes and laboratory methods for delivery of desired outcomes
• Demonstrated ability in application of appropriate scientific methodologies and related documentation
• Experience working in team settings and/or collaborating to deliver high quality joint outcomes
• Strong time management and progress reporting ability
• Accuracy and completeness of documentation per protocol expectations
• Ability to network and collaborate through in person and remote interactions (email, chats, phone, video conference etc)

Benefits

• Fast-growing start-up with many opportunities for capacity building and career development.
• Enjoy an inclusive and supportive culture, with a family-friendly attitude.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Generous benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance and 401k match

In the role of Research Associate, you will be supported by:

• Regular one-on-one meetings with your manager and opportunities to progress your career
• Engagement in cross-functional, cross-geographical product teams as you work alongside leading scientists and innovators in an international organization