Research Scientist

reNature is seeking a skilled research scientist to coordinate laboratory and field trial testing of the company’s microbial agricultural products, conducting internal bench-scale experiments, as well as greenhouse and external field trials to quantify soil and crop performance improvements. We’re looking for individuals with field-specific knowledge of microbiology and soil science as well as their applications in agronomy, with the leadership and business focus to advance the knowledge base, profitability and competitive position of the company. Our ideal candidate will coordinate the laboratory’s QA/QC efforts and work closely with reNature’s research, business and engineering teams to advance the overall research program and broader company initiatives.

Responsibilities Include:

• Determine the modes of action of our reNature’s microbial products to the underlying physical, biochemical and physiological phenomena by applying expertise in soil microbiology and quantitative analysis.
• Organize, coordinate and execute a variety of external field trials and soil /plant sampling protocols that take place at sites near reNature Headquarters in Tempe, Arizona. Multi-day travel may be required a few times per year.
• Develop bioassays needed for testing reNature’s microbial products including various types of soil applications and seed treatments that will quantify soil and crop performance improvements. This includes rapid, efficient miniature, semi in-vitro in-house lab-scale bioassays, container assays, greenhouse trials, and microplot trials to support process optimization, formulation development, and regulatory data requirements.
• Design, perform, analyze, and report on microbial experiments, using bioreactors at various scales.
• Produce new microbial cell banks for R&D and Production.
• Interact with internal Product Development, Engineering and Production groups, as well as external academic and trial partners to promote seamless collaboration.
• Responsible for supporting Sales and Business Development with on-site technical consults, trial design and customer acquisition plans.
• Contribute to the writing and development of patents, grants and collaborative research agreements.
• Maintain and/or calibrate laboratory equipment and instrumentation, including preventive maintenance and calibration.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date, witnessed written account of experimental results.
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and methods for characterization of microbial production strains and production processes.
• Maintain a high level of scientific skills and knowledge within assigned area(s).
• Set an energetic and enthusiastic tone to raise the group to a high-performance mentality
• Instruct and provide guidance to junior scientific personnel and lab technicians.
• Experience managing a team of junior scientific personnel, lab technicians and interns a plus.
• Ensure that he/she and subordinates are operating in accordance with reNature’s Safety guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and interest in soil health, soil dynamics and soil nutrient cycling
• Energetic and self-motivated individual able to work in a fast-paced team environment with an ambitious schedule.
• Knowledge of the microbial physiology of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including filamentous bacteria, and fungi.
• Has a quantitative orientation and is able to apply statistical measures to test hypotheses effectively.
• Fluency with instrumentation systems used in the life sciences.
• Strong, hands-on troubleshooting skills including the ability to diagnose a wide variety of equipment malfunctions and carry out repairs.
• Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate interactions with a highly interdisciplinary team, including the ability to evaluate and convey results in small and large group settings.
• Experience writing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for biotechnology practices and equipment.
• Capable of delivering high quality scientific presentations to both internal and external conferences.
• Knowledge of design of experiments (DOE) methodology for optimizing performance.
• Proficiency in good record keeping and writing technical reports.
• Excellent technical software skills, using Microsoft Office software and statistical / graphing software (e.g., Sigma Plot or R).

The individual should appreciate our entrepreneurial, fast-paced, agile, and dynamic work setting. He/she should be enthusiastic and energetic, goal-driven, and highly motivated to complete tasks in a timely, efficient manner. The candidate should also thrive in a strong team environment, be a self-starter and comfortable speaking up in company meetings. An individual who is positive, interactive, resourceful and creative in problem solving by thinking “out of the box” will be highly valued in this role.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Plant Ecology, Soil Science, Agronomy, Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Microbiology or other appropriate discipline and 0-2 years of relevant laboratory or industrial research experience. Candidates with a Master’s degree and 2-8 years of sufficiently pertinent and demonstrable experience may also be evaluated.

Essential Mental Functions:

Excellent analytical, organizational, coordination and multi-tasking skills.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Physical demands include but may not be limited to: standing or sitting in a greenhouse / laboratory or in an office for extended periods of time, lifting large potted plants, bending over and lifting heavy objects, walking through difficult terrain, and collecting soil and plant samples in the field, sometimes in difficult weather conditions.

Travel:

The employee will travel as required to support program tasks. Overnight travel is possible.

Compensation:

reNature offers a benefits package including stock options, a health plan including medical and dental coverage. In addition, this position is eligible for an annual bonus plan. reNature is an equal-opportunity employer. The above is a list of essential duties and responsibilities for this position. This list is not all-inclusive. This job description may be modified as needed.

Job Type: Full-time