Research Assistant - Molecular Biology

Research Assistant – Molecular Biology 

The Research Assistant will join a multidisciplinary team that is focused on using molecular biology and microbiology techniques to develop and produce biological and chemical products that benefit agriculturally relevant plants and improve crop yield.  This role will contribute to the optimization of microbial expression systems used for protein production, including plasmid engineering and host strain development. Applicants should be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a closely related major. Students in all years of their program will be considered.

 

Job Description: 

• Plan and implement experiments alongside scientific staff, organize data, record, and communicate results. 

• Assist in the design and construction of plasmids for protein expression. 

• Perform molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and culturing
  microbials. 

• Evaluate enzyme productions with enzyme activity assays. 

• Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures and results in an electronic lab notebook. 

• Interact effectively within a multidisciplinary team. 

• Learn and practice basic lab safety procedures. 

• Additional responsibilities may be added at the discretion of management. 

Required Experience: 

• Enrollment in a biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related degree program. 

• Understanding of basic biology concepts and methods. 

• Understanding of general chemistry concepts and methods. 

• Excellent communication and organization skills. 

• Experience with molecular cloning techniques is a plus but not . 

• Eagerness to develop, learn, and adopt new methods. 

Physical Demands: 

• Extending: Extend self in a direction to complete a task. 

• Stationary Position: Remaining in one position for sustained periods of time. 

• Moving: Moving to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another. 

• Fine Motor Skills: Using fingers for tasks such as typing, picking, or pinching, rather than full hand movements.  

• Transporting: Moving objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Objects can be up to 45 pounds in weight.  

• Manual Handling: Gripping, grasping, or applying pressure to objects using fingers and palms.  

• Operating: Using tools and equipment including a work computer and other office devices such as printers, calculators, etc.  

• Repetitive motion: Engaging in recurring movements of the wrists, hands, or fingers, such as typing, assembling components or pipetting.  

• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  

Physical Requirements: 

• Sensory Touch: Assessing the size, shape, texture, or temperature of objects by touch, particularly with fingertips. 

• Communicating: Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word, including providing detailed or critical instructions clearly, quickly, and accurately. Perceiving sound details at normal speaking levels. Alternative methods of communication can be utilized as necessary. 

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The worker is required to wear appropriate PPE as necessary for their role, including but not limited to gloves, safety eyewear, lab coats, hearing protections, and/or respiratory protection depending on the work environment and exposure risks. 

• Environmental Exposure: Those with this position must be able to work in Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory where there may be exposure to biological agents. Individuals with immunocompromised systems may be at increased risk in these environments.  

Job Location: Headquarters, St. Louis, MO, United States  

Position Type: Part-Time/Regular/Hourly/Non-Exempt 

Salary: $16/hour 

Position Duration: Semester start and end 

Hours: This position will require approximately 15-20 hours per week. 

About Elemental Enzymes 

Elemental Enzymes was founded upon the simple belief that we must do everything we can to improve agricultural performance in a way that not only enables plants to flourish but enriches and renews the planet with eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural solutions. From products that enable effective enzyme, peptide and protein inputs to foliar treatments that hold the promise to renew entire industries, our focus to make a positive difference in the world through people – like you and me. Success is a byproduct of responsible production. That’s why Elemental Enzymes works to bring cross-disciplinary scientists and processes together to create novel solutions to practical problems with a shared goal of helping both the plant and the planet. 

Please fill out the application and submit a cover letter and CV/Resume. References required upon request.