Assistant Research Scientist – Formulation

Elemental Enzymes is looking for an Assistant Research Scientist with a fascination for studying protein properties and the eagerness to be involved in the identification of conditions that allow biological molecules to perform at their best. The primary focus of this position is to contribute to efforts targeted toward developing formulation packages that increase the shelf life of proteinaceous actives and enable compatibility with common agrochemicals. The successful candidate will join a team of multidisciplinary scientists with the mission to develop sustainable, biological solutions that change the future of agriculture.

Job Description

• Independently plan, perform, and analyze experiments that are aimed to identify excipients that increase longevity and/or performance of candidate proteins following a previously designed research program.
• Identify key takeaways from performed experiments that guide decision making and/or inspire action.
• Efficiently communicate research concepts and progress to internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and amendment of study protocols and data collection tools; and provide general administrative support.

• Maintain detailed laboratory records and samples in an organized manner.

• Additional responsibilities may be added at the discretion of management.

Required Experience

• Master’s degree in biochemistry, enzymology, protein chemistry, pharmacology, or a closely related field

or

• Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, enzymology, protein chemistry, pharmacology, or a closely related field with 3-5 years of experience in applied laboratory research or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven ability to independently plan and execute experiments in a (bio)chemistry laboratory setting.
• Experience in independent troubleshooting of task-related setbacks and frequenting of, e.g., scientific literature for possible solutions.
• Desired experience in handling and evaluating of proteins.
• Desired experience in performing enzyme activity assays.
• Proven ability to budget time and manage several distinct projects at once.
• Energetic and self-motivated individual able to work in a team environment with an eagerness to develop, learn and adopt new methods.

Physical Requirements

• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
• Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or finger, picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
• Those with this position must be able to work in Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory which can cause more illnesses to those with immunocompromised systems.

Job Location: St. Louis, MO, United States

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular/Salary/Exempt

Salary: Competitive base range

Benefits: 401K, Healthcare, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, HSA/FSA Options, Employee Assistance Program, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Pet Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Dependent Care Account

About Elemental Enzymes

Elemental Enzymes was founded upon the simple belief that we must do everything we can to improve agricultural performance in a way that not only enables plants to flourish but enriches and renews the planet with eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural solutions. From products that enable effective enzyme, peptide and protein inputs to foliar treatments that hold the promise to renew entire industries, our focus to make a positive difference in the world through people – like you and me. Success is a byproduct of responsible production. That’s why Elemental Enzymes works to bring cross-disciplinary scientists and processes together to create novel solutions to practical problems with a shared goal of helping both the plant and the planet.

Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter to our open application. References required upon request.