Role Responsibilities:

• Be part of a talented team of scientists who use cutting edge protein and enzyme engineering technologies to identify new gene editing targets for next-generation crop traits involved in weed control, disease resistance, nitrogen use, and oil quality.
• Lead and execute laboratory experiments to build new enzyme assays and use directed and random approaches to evolve catalytic activities.
• Integrate with the Computational Biology team to predict new target opportunities and jump start in the lab efforts.
• Identify and implement opportunities to grow the technology platform.
• Collaborate with Technology Development, Crop, and Production teams to transfer new targets into the gene editing pipeline.
• Provide subject matter and scientific expertise across the company.
• Mentor/supervise junior team members and help to grow a rapidly expanding team.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree in a Biological or Engineering Science with 2+ years of experience working in a protein engineering or similar environment. Post-doctoral work may serve as experience.
• Deep expertise with protein engineering, enzyme evolution and molecular biology technologies. Strong understanding of fatty acid synthesis and metabolism. An understanding of gene editing technology is also desired.
• An expert at developing new enzyme assays using microbial and in vitro recombinant systems. Strong experience building variant libraries with directed and random approaches and screening those libraries for new and modified catalytic activities.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage computational and structural biology prediction to evolve protein activity.
• Practical experience implementing automation approaches to improve assay throughput and reliability is beneficial.
• Proactive communicator with demonstrated success using oral and written strategies to communicate project status and direction.
• Leads by example, using positive strategies to help establish a professional environment of trust, respect, and collaboration. Demonstrated ability to positively influence others with strong capabilities to mentor and supervise junior scientists.
• A strong collaborator capable of driving success in a highly matrixed work environment.
• Prior experience working in an agricultural biotech and/or plant biology environment is beneficial, but not required.