About Sensei Ag

At Sensei Ag, we align technology with the environment to protect and preserve natural resources while optimizing how we grow food. Merging agriculture and innovation to achieve sustainable farming practices allows us to grow delicious and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Learn more from our website or by following us on LinkedIn. If you'd like to see what we are doing with our consumer-facing brand Sensei Farms, please check our Instagram!

Position Description

As an Associate within R&D, this person will execute strategic, well-controlled experiments to answer questions that are critical to the business. As a member of project-based, interdisciplinary research teams, they will conduct experiments that require biological sample collection, nucleic acid extraction and sequencing, and other techniques as warranted. The sampling and benchwork will primarily be with plant material or other areas associated with a greenhouse or farm. As part of this vibrant, agile research program, the right candidate will have a proven record of benchwork experience and training and be ready to learn and develop new protocols and ways to answer questions to advance the mission of Sensei Ag.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments using biochemical, histological techniques, and molecular techniques (including nucleic acid extraction and sequencing). 
• Consult the literature, vendors, supervisor, and other scientific staff as needed to design and troubleshoot experiments.
• Meticulously document experimental procedures, carefully analyze data, interpret experimental outcomes, and discuss results with the team in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with the team to seek solutions, learn new technologies, and apply new tools to solve problems in the greenhouse.
• Adhere to correct procedures and policies in the lab; maintain clean and safe equipment and space.
• Support strategic research initiatives as necessary.
• Participate and present scientific approaches/results in internal and external team meetings.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the team to ensure the group's collective success.
• Ensure proper hygiene and safety protocols are always followed.

Minimum years of experience required

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience conducting independent research outside of undergraduate coursework. 

Required Skills, Abilities and Qualifications

• Benchwork experience, particularly with nucleic acid extraction and sequencing, and cell culturing.
• Ability to accurately record data and work with data entry systems.
• Ability to communicate scientific methods and results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Detailed oriented.
• Aptitude for learning and applying new technologies and tools.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, including ability to handle a variety of tasks.
• Ability to work independently and interact with others.

Preferred Skills, Abilities and Qualifications

• Experience designing rigorous experiments and interpreting results.
• Experience in computational/bioinformatics analysis, including programming (Python or R preferred). 
• Experience with Linux systems.
• Greenhouse growing experience. 
• Experience working in an R&D environment.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science or a related discipline. Master’s degree preferred.
• Trained in molecular, biochemical, and histological techniques, including nucleic acid extraction and sequencing.

Travel Requirement

• N/A

Traits We Value

• Appreciation for transforming health and the future of food
• Smart, not arrogant 
• Humble and hardworking 
• Entrepreneurial, not risk averse 
• Kind and genuine 
• Grit and lots of it 

FLSA Status

• Non-Exempt

Compensation

• $27.64 - $46.88/hr

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical Plans
• Prescription Drug Benefits
• Employee Wellness
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• HSA/FSA
• Basic Life and AD&D
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Travel Assistance Program
• Paid-Time Off
• 401K

NOTE: Residents of Hawaii, receive a Comprehensive Healthcare Bundle consisting of: Medical, Dental, Vision and Rx prescriptions, different from US Mainland plans/programs.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.