Career Center

Description:

A Full Time position for a Entomology Research Scientist is available at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.  This is an industry sponsored 18-month, 100% research position with a possibility of future extension and an exciting opportunity to influence the development of RNA vaccines for crop pest protection.  The position will report to Bala P. Venkata, the Principle Investigator (PI) of the project. The review of applications will begin on May 19 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.  For more information, visit our webpage.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop novel and sustainable RNAi-based crop pest protection products by modulating insect-pesticide interactions
• Design and execute insect bioassays, conduct RNAi screens, molecular biology, and functional genomic studies
• Analyze data, optimize high throughput workflow, and troubleshoot technical problems.
• Train and supervise lab technicians, as needed
• Support generation of IP and publications in close interaction with the PI
• Work effectively and efficiently as part of a collaborative research team, including industry partners
• Other duties as assigned

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Highly motivated and self-driven researcher with a strong commitment to product development
• Advanced knowledge and expertise in plant-pest interactions
• Desire to contribute to developing novel and sustainable RNAi-based pest control technologies and products
• Demonstrated expertise in the study of plant-insect interactions
• Expertise in a wide range of molecular technologies
• Extensive experience conducting insect bioassays and insect rearing
• Experience with statistical and bioinformatics data analysis packages
• Familiarity with digital phenotypic documentation
• Ability to work independently and deliver on responsibilities within a highly collaborative environment
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship
• Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship

Submission:

• Cover letter clearly describing research interest and career goals
• CV
• Contact information for three (3) professional references
• Informal enquires can be directed to Bala P. Venkata (Bpvenkata@danforthcenter.org) or Holly Costello (HCostello@danforthcenter.org).

Qualifications:

• PhD. in entomology or crop protection
• Already possessing or willing to obtain PPQ 526 permits and EPA pesticide applicator certifications.