Research Associate, Sampling and DNA Extraction

Inari•West Lafayette, IN

12d•$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, and attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be well-organized, flexible, and capable of delivering 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 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