Research Associate, Sampling and DNA Extraction

Inari•Kent, IN

10d•$51,600 - $71,900•Onsite

About The Position

Inari is seeking a self-motivated Research Associate to support high-throughput sampling, molecular characterization, and plant care activities across multiple projects within Early Product Development. This is a hands-on, lab-based role that requires efficiency, troubleshooting skills, organization, attention to detail, flexibility, and the ability to deliver high-quality results on time.

Requirements

Associates or Bachelor’s in Plant Biology, Biotechnology, Agriculture or a related subject.
Experience handling and caring for crop plants such as soybean, maize, wheat.
Experience with aseptic technique in laminar flow and biocontainment hoods.
Familiarity with high throughput DNA and RNA extraction automation workflows.
Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Excellent planning, organization, and execution skills.
Ability to develop and optimize protocols.
Proficiency with Google Suite (Mail, Docs, Slides, Sheets and Drive) and cloud-based electronic notebook software like Benchling.
Experience using LIMS for lab operations.
Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Curiosity, desire to continuously learn and have a meaningful impact.
Demonstrated innovative and critical thinking, with a willingness to be bold and take risks.
A collaborative approach, open to giving and receiving ideas, perspectives, and feedback.
An interest in science and/or agriculture.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Molecular Biology and automated workflows.
Experience with tissue culture and plant propagation.

Responsibilities

Sample tissue culture and greenhouse grown plants across multiple crops and deliver samples (plant tissue) for molecular characterization.
Prepare, track, organize, and process a large number of plant samples while ensuring sample integrity and traceability.
Support DNA and RNA extraction utilizing high throughput automation.
Provide quality plant care, transplanting, and plant maintenance activities to enable the transfer of characterized plants from the lab to the controlled environment spaces on a weekly basis.
Maintain a clean working environment in the lab and plant growth chambers for plant tissue sampling and plant care.
Collaborate with scientists and research associates to identify gaps, troubleshoot workflows, and develop effective solutions when problems occur.
Contribute to process improvement initiatives that increase throughput, quality, and operational efficiency.
Support multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining effective stakeholder communication, data quality, and timely delivery of results.
Maintain accurate, comprehensible, and current laboratory records in databases and notebooks.
Work safely and effectively within laboratory and controlled environment settings.

Benefits

Competitive pay and rewards.
Three different components of pay: base, short-term incentive, and long-term equity.
One-time new hire stock option grant.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Preferred Provider Network (PPO) health plan.
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a company-funded health savings account (HSA).
Vision insurance.
Dental insurance.
Several flexible spending accounts (FSA).
A host of voluntary benefits.
Robust wellness program.
401k plan with company matching.
Flexible paid time off policy.