Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team innovating sustainable agriculture through cutting-edge plant delivery techniques.
- Company: Terrana Biosciences, part of Flagship Pioneering, transforming agriculture with science.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly pay, hands-on experience, and potential for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities to learn and innovate.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable agriculture while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: MS or BS in relevant fields with lab experience; strong teamwork and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Terrana Biosciences is one of the latest companies founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine. The firm has originated and fostered the development of nearly 100 scientific ventures resulting in $19+ billion in aggregate value, 500+ issued patents, and more than 50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents. Arana Biosciences is integrating the latest developments in molecular biology and plant biology to create a new platform technology that enables adaptive, targeted and sustainable solutions in agriculture.
Are you a highly motivated and driven researcher who wants to contribute to developing products for sustainable agriculture? We are seeking a determined, impact-driven Contract Research Associate II to join our Delivery and Transformation team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in developing cutting-edge techniques for plant delivery and transformation in diverse plant systems. The successful candidate will be highly organized and comfortable working as an integral member of a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, record-keeping, and teamwork skills will be critical.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Working with a team of scientists to innovate, optimize, and execute various plant delivery and transformation methods.
- Troubleshooting transformation protocols, solving difficult experimental problems, and proposing solutions related to transformation methods and bioassays.
- Assisting in plant phenotyping and imaging.
- Performing bacterial plasmid transfections.
- Sampling plants for molecular assays used as experimental readouts.
- MS in Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline or a BS in one of these fields with at least 2 years of full-time professional laboratory experience.
- Experience working in industry a plus.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work with a diverse interdisciplinary team.
- Basic horticultural skills and experience working with plants in a controlled environment.
- Strong organizational and record keeping skills.
- Strong understanding of safe laboratory practices.
- Experience with Microsoft Office.
- Experience with automated growth control systems a plus.
- Strong willingness to learn.
- Innovative with an ability to problem-solve.
- Experience with common plant transformation methods, such as Agrobacterium and biolistic approaches.
- Expertise in handling plant tissues and sampling plants for assays.
- Experience with DNA, RNA, and protein isolation and purification.
- Experience with RNA-related workflows and RNA-protein interaction is a plus.
- Hands-on experience with bacterial, fungal, and/or viral pathogens in economically important crops a plus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with a diverse interdisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Enthusiasm for science and willingness to adapt to the changing needs of a fast-paced research and development effort.
- Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn new techniques, efficiently troubleshoot lab protocols, and manage multiple experimental workflows.
- A strong self-starter, results-oriented with strong attention to detail.
Location: Durham, NC
Research Associate II, Delivery & Transformation (Contract) in Durham employer: Terrana Biosciences
Contact Detail:
Terrana Biosciences Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate II, Delivery & Transformation (Contract) in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in sustainable agriculture and think about how your skills can contribute. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in the lab or during your studies. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for enthusiastic individuals who are eager to join our team and make an impact in the field of plant science.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate II, Delivery & Transformation (Contract) in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Associate II role. Highlight your relevant experience in plant science and any specific techniques you've mastered. We want to see how you fit into our mission!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your analytical and problem-solving skills. Give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in a lab setting. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Terrana Biosciences!
How to prepare for a job interview at Terrana Biosciences
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your knowledge of plant biology and transformation methods. Be ready to discuss specific techniques like Agrobacterium and biolistic approaches, as well as any hands-on experience you have with molecular assays. This shows you're not just a candidate, but a passionate researcher who understands the field.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working in a collaborative environment, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to group problem-solving. This will demonstrate that you can thrive in an interdisciplinary setting.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical and troubleshooting skills. Think of specific challenges you've faced in the lab and how you resolved them. This is your chance to show off your innovative thinking and ability to adapt to fast-paced research demands.
✨Organise Your Thoughts
Before the interview, jot down key points about your experience, especially regarding record-keeping and organisational skills. Being able to articulate how you manage multiple workflows and maintain detailed records will set you apart as a detail-oriented candidate.