Lab Scientist, Molecular Biology

About Inari...

Inari is the SEEDesign™ company. We embrace the diversity and complexity of nature in every aspect of our business to drive innovation – to push the boundaries of what is possible. Through our unrivaled technology platform, Inari uses predictive design and advanced multiplex gene editing to develop step-change products. We are taking a nature positive approach to unlock the full potential of seed that will transform the food system. The results will lead to more productive acres delivering value creation for farmers and a more sustainable future for our planet.

Our success is dependent on great minds, collaborating to generate bright ideas and deliver exceptional outcomes.

We have over 270 employees, with research sites in Cambridge, MA (USA) and Ghent (Belgium), as well as a product development site in West Lafayette, IN (USA). We’ve deliberately built a team that brings diversity of thought to all aspects of our business, to generate new ideas, approaches, and ways of operating. And we've intentionally combined experience with potential, bringing agriculture industry experts with the desire to innovate together with bright minds from academia, human therapeutics, software, and consulting. If you want to be part of a diverse and inclusive team developing unique solutions to feed the world while protecting our planet’s natural resources, we’d love to hear from you!

About the role….

We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated and proactive Lab Scientist, Molecular Biology to join our fast-growing team at Inari Ghent. You will join the scientific community at Inari and contribute to developing 21st-century solutions to address global food challenges. As a Lab Scientist Molecular Biology you will be mostly focused on vector cloning and molecular analysis to support the production and characterisation of genetically improved plants.

This position is a hands-on role responsible for effective delivery, troubleshooting and putting ideas into action. You will ensure experiments are properly designed, executed efficiently and correctly, while taking initiative to improve protocols and onboarding new technologies and approaches where necessary. The right candidate enjoys a “start-up” atmosphere and is flexible, shows good judgment, takes initiative and is willing to take on additional tasks and responsibilities as needed to achieve goals and deliverables. Excellent communication skills are essential for this role as part of an interdisciplinary team.

As a Lab Scientist, you will …

• Organize the experimental work together with project leads and follow up on the work package progress

• Collaborate with Research Associates and Scientists to execute vectoring and molecular analysis activities, such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, Western blot, TaqMan

• Perform the in silico design of novel vectors, execute the cloning in the lab and perform the necessary QC steps (digest, whole-plasmid sequencing)

• Maintain a clean working environment

• Maintain detailed and organized records of your work, project data you generate and other information as needed

• Work with colleagues to troubleshoot and develop effective solutions when problems occur

• Participate in scientific discussions and present research outcomes to peers and management

You bring...

• PhD degree with at least 2+ years research experience (e.g. molecular biology, biotechnology) or equivalent through experience

• Hands-on experience with vector cloning techniques such as Gibson assembly, Golden Gate, In-Fusion cloning, etc.

• Hands-on experience with molecular techniques (DNA/RNA preparation, PCR, qPCR, western blot etc.)

• Experience with genome editing analysis techniques (Amplicon Sequencing, ddPCR) as well as genotyping assays (TaqMan, …)

• Experience with DNA design and analysis software (e.g. Geneious, …)

• Familiarity with record keeping (electronic lab notebooks, LIMS)

• Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Work Instructions (WI)

• A proactive and positive attitude: you can see the problem and also suggest solutions

• An efficient and well-organized approach to deliver high-quality results on time with integrity

• A collaborative mindset, open to giving and receiving ideas, perspectives and feedback

• Good communication skills, both written and oral

Bonus Qualifications...

• Hands-on experience with genome editing technologies and crop improvement

• Experience working on plants is a plus but not essential for this role