Senior Research Associate: Plant Microbe Interaction

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 multi-dimensional. 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, characterize, screen, store and produce microbial samples, specimens and consortia.

The role will also support efforts in molecular characterization of microbes /communities as well as greenhouse and field trial activities. Culturing, screening, and management of microbial collections is an additional key component of the role.

The role will focus on implementing internal operations in this area and collaborating with other Loam Bio labs and 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.

Key responsibilities include:

• Implementation, optimization and interpretation of laboratory and growth chamber evaluations of targeted microbes and their combinations for performance attributes
• Structure and manage projects across lab team members for optimal research outcomes and process efficiency
• Elucidation of compatible plant-microbe interactions using tools such as reporter gene/qPCR-based endophytic/rhizosphere colonization, etc.
• Manage data, records, confidentiality, and compliance considerations related to research activities, staff, service providers and collaborators
• Effective and timely report writing and communication

Requirements

• Master degree 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)

Benefits

• Fast-growing start-up with many opportunities for capacity building and career development
• Work alongside leading scientists and innovators in an international organisation
• 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

As part of the Loam team, everyone is expected to:

• Be a self-starter, but to ask when uncertain.
• Be open to feedback and committed to learning.
• Be a proactive communicator — we want you to be able to articulate a problem or an idea in a manner that is clear, timely and constructive.
• Treat your colleagues with unconditional respect and regard, while identifying areas where you can help others, or share your knowledge.
• Take accountability and pride in your work, whilst being an advocate for Loam.
• Take accountability for growing and developing the organisation.