Molecular Scientist

Flyttr•San Antonio, TX

1d•$55,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

Flyttr is seeking a motivated Molecular Scientist to join a project team developing biological technologies to sustainably and safely control insects that transmit disease, harm livestock, and damage crops. Based in Texas, the role serves as a US-based technical contributor and works closely with the UK Team Lead and colleagues in Oxfordshire to align project goals, timelines, deliverables, methods, data quality, and scientific standards. As part of the Molecular Biology Laboratory Team, the scientist will design and conduct experiments to characterize molecular biology and genetics in target species and contribute to the development and analysis of genetic circuits. The role involves hands-on molecular biology work, including PCR, data analysis, interpretation, and preparation of scientific reports and presentations. The scientist will independently generate and evaluate data, reach actionable conclusions, communicate findings, troubleshoot technical challenges, support laboratory management, and provide technical guidance to colleagues. The position also collaborates with on-site Strain Development and Rearing teams to evaluate, refine, and validate techniques, genetic transformation approaches, and strain phenotypes. It contributes to method development and continuous improvement while promoting good laboratory practices. Occasional weekend support is part of a team rotation.

Requirements

A bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, such as molecular entomology or molecular biology, or equivalent professional experience of 4+ years.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
PCR experience.
Must be based in the US and legally authorized to work in the United States.
Technical abilities appropriate for the role.
Competency in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Scientific diligence, including careful data generation and recording and good laboratory practices such as following SOPs.
Ability to work autonomously within a wider team and collaborate effectively with global colleagues.
Ability to adapt working patterns to the needs of an international business operating across time zones.
Self-starting, proactive, resourceful, resilient, and persistent approach, with comfort building processes from scratch and working in a changing environment.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in insect or arthropod transformation.
Proficiency in R/R Studio and experience using statistics.

Responsibilities

Generate high-quality DNA analysis data and develop robust, specific molecular methods for laboratory and field applications.
Independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments aligned with program objectives and agreed priorities.
Maintain accurate laboratory records and document experimental procedures, results, and activities in accordance with company standards.
Communicate experimental progress, results, and recommendations to the Team Lead, scientific teams, and stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise.
Prepare technical reports, study summaries, and presentations for internal review and decision-making.
Conduct literature reviews and use appropriate statistical methods to analyze, interpret, and present data.
Support efficient laboratory operations by maintaining organized workspaces, improving processes, and complying with procedures, regulations, and health and safety requirements.
Maintain safety documentation, including SOPs, risk assessments, COSHH assessments, and training records.
Seek opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and performance, with an understanding of project commercial impact.
Keep laboratory and work areas clean, organized, and inspection-ready.
Provide occasional weekend support as part of a team rotation.
Collaborate across US and UK sites and with Strain Development and Rearing teams to ensure consistency in methods, data quality, and scientific standards, and to evaluate, refine, and validate techniques, transformation approaches, and strain phenotypes.
Contribute to method development and continuous improvement, and provide technical guidance and support to colleagues when needed.