What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr Research Associate/Scientist position at GALY CO?
Role Description:
GALY is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate or Scientist I to support the development, optimization, and scale-up of plant tissue culture and cell banking processes. This role will focus on establishing robust plant cell culture systems, improving culture performance, developing standardized workflows, and supporting long-term preservation strategies for critical biological materials.
The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience in plant tissue culture, plant cell culture, micropropagation, or related plant biotechnology fields and is passionate about translating laboratory research into scalable biological processes. Experience with cryopreservation and long-term cell storage is highly desirable, but candidates with strong tissue culture expertise and a willingness to develop cryopreservation capabilities are encouraged to apply.
Working in a fast-paced, mission-driven biotechnology company, you will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to advance GALY's scientific platform and contribute directly to the development of sustainable biological production systems.
Responsibilities
- Design, execute, and optimize experiments related to plant tissue culture, cell culture maintenance, media development, and growth optimization.
- Establish and maintain healthy, reproducible plant cell cultures, including suspension cultures, callus cultures, and other tissue culture systems.
- Develop and improve culture media formulations, growth conditions, and cultivation protocols to enhance productivity and consistency.
- Analyze experimental results, identify trends, and generate actionable recommendations based on data.
- Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with laboratory standards.
- Support the development, implementation, and optimization of cell banking and cryopreservation workflows for long-term storage of valuable cell lines.
- Contribute to process development activities aimed at improving scalability, robustness, and operational efficiency.
- Troubleshoot experimental challenges and propose scientifically sound solutions.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Process Development, Operations, and Quality teams to achieve project objectives.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
- Contribute to laboratory organization, inventory management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain compliance with safety protocols and promote a culture of scientific excellence and operational rigor.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent experience in Plant Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Strong hands-on experience with plant tissue culture and aseptic laboratory techniques.
- Experience maintaining and optimizing plant cell, tissue, callus, or suspension cultures.
- Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments, analyze results, and troubleshoot technical challenges.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in experimental planning and documentation.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred
- Experience with plant cell banking, cryopreservation, germplasm preservation, or long-term biological storage systems.
- Experience developing or optimizing culture media and growth conditions.
- Familiarity with microscopy, viability assessments, metabolite analysis, or related analytical techniques.
- Experience supporting process development, scale-up, or technology transfer activities.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, Python, R, or JMP.
- Previous experience in a startup, industrial biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, or research environment.
Key Competencies
Scientific Leadership & Experimental Design
- Independently designs, executes, and interprets experiments with minimal supervision.
- Applies sound scientific reasoning to solve technical challenges and advance project objectives.
- Contributes ideas that improve experimental strategy and scientific understanding.
Plant Tissue Culture Expertise
- Demonstrates strong technical proficiency in plant tissue culture and aseptic laboratory practices.
- Maintains high-performing cultures and identifies opportunities to improve culture health, productivity, and reproducibility.
- Troubleshoots contamination, growth variability, and process performance issues effectively.
Process Development & Continuous Improvement
- Identifies opportunities to improve protocols, workflows, and laboratory efficiency.
- Contributes to the development of scalable and robust biological processes.
- Balances scientific rigor with execution speed in a fast-paced environment.
Data Analysis & Communication
- Analyzes complex datasets and translates findings into clear scientific recommendations.
- Communicates results effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Maintains thorough and accurate experimental documentation.
Collaboration & Ownership
- Takes ownership of projects and delivers high-quality work with limited oversight.
- Collaborates effectively across teams and contributes to a positive, mission-driven culture.
- Demonstrates adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Pay: $88,259.00 - $102,148.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $88,259 - $102,148