Molecular Biology Research Associate
The Company:
Vestaron is a company dedicated to improving the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of crop protection through migration from synthetic chemical to peptide-based biological solutions. Vestaron is focused on peptides that kill insect pests efficiently, but are safe for humans, beneficial insects, and the environment. We are now expanding our research toward the prevention and treatment of plant diseases. As part of this, the company has developed a proprietary platform for peptide optimization and fermentation-based peptide production that will allow us to develop a wide variety of biologic crop protection and trait solutions. Vestaron is the winner of the inaugural 2015 Bernard Blum Award and the EPA Green Chemistry award for novel biocontrol solutions.
The Opportunity:
Vestaron is currently recruiting for a Research Associate to join our R&D team in Kalamazoo, MI. The Research Associate will have the opportunity to work with highly skilled scientists on our development pipeline of sustainable crop protection products. Daily responsibilities will include a mix of laboratory work, data reporting, and communicating with team members. The position’s main emphasis will be on protein expression and purification, bioassays and other discovery-based experiments.
We offer a competitive benefits package to support the health and happiness of our staff.
We invite you to apply to join a company developing the products, processes, and relationships to lead the advancement of the biological peptide industry, beginning with the pesticide markets.
Position: Molecular Biology Research Associate
Location: Kalamazoo, MI
Position Scope:
Vestaron is looking for a molecular biologist to join a team that optimizes cysteine rich peptides for insect, fungal and bacterial control in agricultural applications. Ideally, this person should have experience with plasmid DNA isolation from E. coli, protein expression possibly in E. coli and/or yeast, and protein purification. Experience with techniques such as qPCR, HPLC, LC/MS, Western Blot, ELISA and automated liquid handlers are a plus. The ability to apply knowledge, learn new techniques and work in fast-paced environment with multiple work streams are key attributes required for the success candidate.
Responsibilities:
- Work cohesively as part of the greater R&D team to perform experiments involved in stages ranging from discovery to development.
- Timely execution of experiments designed in conjunction with senior scientists.
- Design and generation of heterologous expression vectors and expression strains.
- Execution of protein screening and profiling assays, data analysis and data reporting.
- Keep detailed and organized records of experimental protocols and results.
- Contribute to multiple projects simultaneously and manage diverse team interactions.
- Contribute to daily lab maintenance activities.
Requirements:
- Advanced degree (M.S.) from an accredited institution in Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology or related field, or 4-year college degree with at least 2 years of work experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or biotechnology.
- Must have experience with molecular and biochemical techniques.
- Experience with heterologous expression and purification of peptides/proteins is a plus
- Ambitious, self-driven, and capable of adapting to changing roles and project priorities
- Strong scientific foundation with an ability to adapt and apply protocols
- Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office Products
- Works well in a team setting
- Strong multi-tasking skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
Why Join Us?
Join the Revolution…
With an innovative and accomplished leadership team guiding our day-to-day wins, and a Board with a long-term vision that supports our efforts, we set out daily to improve the safety, efficacy and sustainability of crop protection through migration from synthetic pesticides to peptide-based biopesticides. Our team is empowered to solve problems and find solutions that will advance the science and commercialization of peptides. If you’re seeking a career that taps into your talents and contributes to harnessing the Power of Peptides® for the benefit of the environment and industry, we just may have a job for you.
We know our employees are our most valuable asset, and our culture conveys that.
In 2019 we opened our new headquarter in the heart of RTP (Research Triangle Park, NC), a global center of Agricultural Technology and Innovation. Our offices are located in the Frontier complex, a vibrant work environment where the development of restaurants, shops and hotels is underway.
Our R&D center is in Kalamazoo, MI, within the Western Michigan University Innovation Center. The 69,000-square-foot, purpose-built incubator and co-working space was created to support companies from the earliest start-ups to maturing organizations with office and conference space, high-quality shared scientific equipment and resources, and a wide range of support services.
We offer a competitive benefits package, to support the health and happiness of our staff.
We invite you to apply to join a company developing the products, processes, and relationships to lead the advancement of the biological peptide industry, beginning with the pesticide markets.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Vestaron is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Vestaron are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.