Research Associate, Plant Transformation

About Inari...

Inari is the SEEDesign™ company. We embrace the diversity and complexity of nature in every aspect of our business to drive innovation – to push the boundaries of what is possible. Through our unrivaled technology platform, Inari uses predictive design and advanced multiplex gene editing to develop step-change products. We are taking a nature positive approach to unlock the full potential of seeds that will transform the food system. The results will lead to more productive acres delivering value creation for farmers and a more sustainable future for our planet.

Our success is dependent on great minds, collaborating to generate bright ideas and deliver exceptional outcomes.

We have 200 employees, with research sites in Cambridge, MA (USA) and Ghent (Belgium), as well as a product development site in West Lafayette, IN (USA). We’ve deliberately built a team that brings diversity of thought to all aspects of our business, to generate new ideas, approaches, and ways of operating. And we've intentionally combined experience with potential, bringing agriculture industry experts with the desire to innovate together with bright minds from academia, human therapeutics, software, and consulting. If you want to be part of a diverse and inclusive team developing unique solutions to feed the world while protecting our planet’s natural resources, we’d love to hear from you!

About the role...

The Research Associate II Plant Delivery role is filled by an individual with advanced expertise in plant biotechnology, specifically plant transformation methods and plant tissue culture. As a Research Associate, you contribute to the plant transformation team as well as an independent contributor to science projects looking to improve gene editing outcomes in plants. The position requires knowledge of various plant transformation methods and plant tissue culture practices, molecular biology and plant physiology. A successful candidate will be adept in driving optimization of existing and emerging approaches and contribute to scalable process development. The capacity to apply sound experimental data to guide scientific decisions to improve processes, analyze, and communicate results is important to succeed in this position. It will also provide the opportunity to work with various scientists and stakeholders across the company. This is a full-time, on-site position located at our Cambridge, MA site.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform experiments independently and with cross-functional teams, related to plant transformation and tissue culture using established protocols in multiple crops of interest.

• Optimize established plant transformation/transient plant assays as well as explore developing and onboarding new assays.

• Conduct experiments to explore novel methods to achieve gene editing in plants and/or transformation.

• Collaborate with Scientists and other Research Associates to identify and test new technologies to support company projects and increase quality and throughput.

• Drive ideation and troubleshooting of experimental protocols, implement solutions, and clearly communicate results and next‑step recommendations to project teams and stakeholders.

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments and effectively communicate scientific results and progress.

• Work in a fast-paced environment and deliver results on both high-risk experiments and established assays.

• Develop, author, and execute SOPs for new assay methods and ensure proper training of end users.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 3+ years of work experience, or a Master’s degree in agriculture or plant biology or a related field

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in plant transformation and tissue culture, including Agrobacterium culture preparation

• Experience with aseptic technique and media preparation

• Ability to learn new technologies and techniques, develop and improve protocols, and effectively communicate findings

• Adaptability and enthusiasm for new challenges, innate curiosity, and a passion for developing high impact solutions

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrated organization, time management, and multitasking skills

• Demonstrated knowledge and wet-lab experience in molecular and/or biology techniques such as DNA /RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, or next generation (NGS) sequencing workflows such as library preparation

• Experience and familiarity with using LIMS or ELN systems, such as Benchling.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with laboratory automation, especially next generation sequencing automation such as MiSeq or Nanopore technology

• Experience with gene editing and CRISPR-Cas technologies

• Experience with tissue culture techniques in commercially important crops such as soybean, corn and wheat

Inari pays competitively and rewards results.

The salary range for this position is $59,410 - $81,700. Whether you are full-time or part-time, Inari provide three different components of pay – base, short-term incentive, and long-term equity along with a one-time new hire stock option grant. That's rare!

We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including both a Preferred Provider Network (PPO) and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a company-funded health savings account (HSA), vision, dental, and several flexible spending accounts (FSA), a host of voluntary benefits, and a robust wellness program. In addition, Inari offers a 401k plan with a company matching and a flexible paid time off policy. 

Consistent with our commitment to pay transparency, salary range information is being disclosed. Please note that offers are based on the candidate's qualifications & experience as well as market demand. 

Inari is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Learn more about us:

About Inari: https://inari.com/about-us/

Multiplex Gene Editing – The Key to Unlocking the Full Potential of Seed: https://inari.com/multiplex-gene-editing-matters-for-the-population-the-planet-and-the-people-who-grow-our-food/

The Promise of AI in Plant Breeding: https://inari.com/the-promise-of-ai-in-plant-breeding-2/

Unseen Upside Podcast: AI & Agriculture – Data-Driven Fields, Resilient Futures: https://www.cambridgeassociates.com/podcasts/agriculture/

AgTech Breakthrough AgTech Company of the Year:  https://inari.com/inari-repeats-as-agtech-company-of-the-year/

Bloomberg: Inari AgTech Startup:  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-07/agtech-startup-inari-raises-equity-at-2-17-billion-valuation

BBC: Disaster-Proofing Crops: https://inari.com/bbc-news-how-crops-are-being-disaster-proofed/

Reuters: Gene Editing Wheat: https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/australian-trial-gene-edited-wheat-aims-10-bigger-yields-2024-05-23/#:~:text=CANBERRA%2C%20May%2023%20(Reuters),and%20make%20farming%20more%20sustainable

Inari at Databricks Data + AI Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJG-r3ob-n0

Job Applicant Privacy Notice: https://inari.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Job-Applicant-Privacy-Notice.pdf

FOR U.S. CANDIDATES: Please note that we use the resume you submit with your application during our background check process. To ensure an efficient and accurate background verification, we kindly ask that you carefully review and accurately represent your work history, education and other relevant information on your resume. Any discrepancies or inaccuracies found during the background check may impact your candidacy for the position.