Research Associate I (CA)

About Confluence Genetics 
Confluence Genetics develops soybean technologies and varieties that create value from farm-gate to feed, food and fuel end-markets by unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants. The Company leverages their proprietary CropOS™ machine learning platform with proprietary germplasm data and speed breeding technologies in our Crop Accelerator facility to drastically accelerate and simplify the product development process. This platform allows for cost-effective and more efficient ways to analyze and make improvements in plant genetics. Confluence Genetics brings a unique and holistic approach to our product and platform development, as we span a broader workflow involving trait and seed development, genome editing, and breeding all the way to creating better ingredients and varieties that tap a strong customer demand. More information can be found online at https://confluence.ag/.

Our Purpose and Core Values  

Our Core Values are a set of common principles we share that are fundamental to our company's identity.  Real. Inspired!

• Real. We show up with honesty, accountability, and purpose. We lead with integrity and speak with candor, knowing that trust and transparency drive performance. We challenge each other respectfully and stay grounded in what matters—our shared mission and one another.

• Inspired! We’re driven by possibility and energized by progress. With open minds and a bold spirit, we embrace change, take smart risks, and push boundaries. We stay curious, creative, and connected—to each other, our partners, and the future we’re building together

Department Overview 

The Crop Accelerator is a state-of-the-art, controlled environment research facility that allows Confluence Genetics to accelerate biology, enabling the rapid development of feed and food ingredients. Our innovative facility has dynamically adaptive growth chambers providing 365 days of optimal growing conditions.  Furthermore, Confluence Genetics CropOS technology coupled with the Crop Accelerator’s world-leading high-throughput phenotyping and automation capabilities enables predictive outcomes allowing Confluence Genetics to develop varieties significantly faster than traditional cropping methods; essentially moving us beyond the speed of biology. 

Position Summary 

The Research Associate I will be responsible for providing support to the Indoor Operations and Controlled environment through coordination and execution of production nursery grow-outs and additional research projects while exercising independent judgment and ensuring clear communication with team members. The RA will analyze and record data and communicate research progress with internal stakeholders.  

You Will: 

• Maintain, organize, and summarize results of experiments, detailing issues, while problem solving. 
• Coordinate the logistics of plant grow-outs within the TI workflow, as well support any needs from other Indoor Operations workflows. 
• Perform tasks related with general operations of nurseries grow-outs including planting, tissue sampling, transplanting, tying, pollinating, and harvesting. 
• Input data into the corporate database and collect experimental notes.  Ensure data integrity and transparency for plant and seed records within the Crop Accelerator. 
• Scout for plant disease symptoms, insect pressure, and other IPM considerations and communicate issues to appropriate support staff. 
• Partner with CEI, GE and Speed Breeding teams within the Crop Accelerator to align best practices in plant care. 
• Participate in weekend plant cross-pollination rotation as needed 
• Perform other duties as assigned 

 You Have: 

(Competencies and Qualifications) 

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Biology or other relevant degree 

Experience 

• 1 years relevant experience, preferably within an indoor growing facility and/or greenhouse 
• Experience in soybean cross-pollination is a plus 

 Software/Skillset 

• Proficient at Microsoft suite of products 
• Experience working in protected Ag, controlled environments, or a seed company preferred

 Other 

• Process improvement mindset with a strong drive to simplify complex operations. 
• Courage to promote ideas within an organization. 
• Team player who gives support when able and asks for it when needed. 
• Ability to communicate results to peers and leaders through written and verbal communications.   

We have a Total Rewards Package at Confluence Genetics that consists of more than just your paycheck. Total Rewards at Confluence Genetics covers Pay (salary and bonus), Health (employer benefit contributions) and Wealth (investments). Some of the perks include: 

• A Collaborative Environment 
• A flexible PTO program with a focus on work/life balance 
• Competitive medical, dental and vision benefits
• Retirement savings plan with a company match
• Education reimbursement 
• PAID parental leave 
• And more….