Business Development Research Associate

Research Associate (Business Development, Trialing Operations)

NewLeaf Symbiotics (NLS), an agricultural biologicals company, is looking for a Research Associate with experience in field trialing and data entry/ data management. NLS company headquarters and laboratories are located in the EDGE building at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, in St. Louis, Missouri. We are seeking an individual with a passion for sustainable agriculture and biological solutions, who will contribute to the expanded commercialization of new microbial-based products by supporting the Trialing Operations team in managing incoming crop performance datasets and scouting field trials for biostimulants, bioinsecticides and biofungicides in a range of cropping systems.

Research Associate Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assist trial leads with recordkeeping including; trial staging, trial metadata and status tracking/ reporting, basic filing, preparation and formatting of slide decks with information from completed analyses  
• Support trial scouting for pests and disease, operate in-field imaging and measuring equipment, and aid in the collection and processing of plant and soil samples
• Support trialing data collection by processing images and other raw data through plant phenotyping and image analysis software (training available)
• Support trialing data management through data entry, data reformatting, data QC and sharing clean data with trial leads and analysts
• Support companywide database initiatives by updating metadata with controlled vocabulary in legacy field trialing data files to enable automated analyses
• Other related tasks as needed

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Agronomy or related field
• Experience in field trialing of agricultural crops
• Experience collecting and processing plant and soil samples
• Basic skills in data entry, data management and quality control with a strong commitment to accuracy
• Experience with the Microsoft Office 365 suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to work outdoors in a range of field conditions and travel to field research locations in the US and abroad (30% travel with trips concentrated during the US production season), valid driver’s license
• On site or hybrid remote: the ideal candidate is based in the Midwest within a day’s drive of St. Louis, no relocation offered for this role
• Ability to safely lift 50 lbs
• Energetic and self-motivated individual with the ability and desire to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, problem-solving skills, and a detail-oriented approach.
• Eagerness to learn new skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Wrike or similar project management software
• Basic experience with any of the following agricultural research technologies: Field data management software (Agricultural Research Management (ARM) or similar), spatial data analysis and/or image-based phenotyping tools

About NewLeaf Symbiotics:

NewLeaf Symbiotics is an agricultural biotech leader that is focused on the discovery, development, production, and commercialization of products containing a genus of beneficial microbes that are ubiquitous and naturally symbiotic with plants. The pioneer and global leader of pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs), NewLeaf’s technology outcomes include increased yield potential and sustainability indicators. Headquartered in the Ag Innovation capital of St. Louis, NewLeaf has filed more than 200 patents and patent applications and introduced its biostimulant and biocontrol products in the United States.

What We Offer:

• Health/Dental/Vision with employer-paid premiums
• Retirement plan
• Flexible PTO policy
• Paid parental leave
• Stock options
• Tuition reimbursement
• Strong values in a positive company culture
• On-site fitness facilities

Application:

Please send a cover letter and CV/Resume to hr@newleafsym.com with the subject: NewLeaf Symbiotics Trialing Operations RA Position. References required upon request.

NewLeaf Symbiotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Must be authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship now or in the future