Scientist– Molecular Discovery

Location: San Diego, CA
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $110,000 - $128,000
Areas of Expertise Desired: Plant-Pathogen Interaction, Plant Pathology and Immunity, Trait Discovery, Molecular Biology, Gene Editing
Job Code: MD2422

Description:

Cibus is a biotechnology company with advanced technologies to precisely target and direct a plant’s natural gene-editing processes. This approach accelerates natural plant breeding that has been a staple of farming for thousands of years and has resulted in a rapid, versatile and low-cost way to produce sustainable industrial and agricultural products and improve human health by safely harnessing nature's own genetic diversity.

The company has a worldwide presence, with subsidiaries in Europe and North America and a state-of-the-art research and development center in San Diego, Ca and Roseville, Mn. Cibus has a pipeline of traits for canola and rice and is developing crop platforms and a pipeline of trait products in other major global crops including soybean, corn, and wheat. The broad applicability of Cibus’ technologies is highlighted by the company’s strain-advancement program, which develops sustainable products in microbial platforms for the food, flavor and fragrance, and personal care markets.

Cibus has an immediate opening for a Scientist– Molecular Discovery to help us to revolutionize plant breeding using our unique, patented gene editing technology. This position will execute and lead in the lab efforts to discover next generation gene editing targets that will improve plant health and increase agricultural sustainability by improving crop resistance to disease and pests. The successful applicant will be a strong laboratory scientist with broad knowledge of plant biology, immunity and pathology, and experience developing gene edited traits. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to lead, influence, and grow in a dynamic environment focused on cutting edge gene editing technology.

Role Responsibilities:

• Develop strategy and project plans for gene edited traits that will improve plant resistance to disease and pests in agriculture crops.
• Lead and execute laboratory experiments to decipher molecular mechanisms controlling plant immunity and plant-pathogen interactions.
• Collaborate with Computational Biology to uncover new target opportunities. Work with Pathology team to validate trait performance.
• Provide subject matter and scientific expertise across functional teams.
• Supervise junior team members and help to grow a rapidly expanding team.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Plant Biology or related scientific field
• Demonstrated research success and broad knowledge in plant-pathogen interactions and pathology, including experience with multiple pathogens and/or pests in agriculture crops such as rice, canola, wheat, soybean, and/or corn.
• A Molecular Biology, Protein Interaction and Biochemistry expert with demonstrated capabilities in protein-protein interactions, protein purification, DNA/RNA manipulations, qPCR, western blotting, enzyme assays, and other functional assays.
• Strong understanding of gene editing technologies and capabilities to translate research discoveries to developing gene edited traits in agricultural important crops.
• Proactive communicator with demonstrated success using oral and written strategies to communicate project status and direction.
• Leads by example, using positive strategies to establish a professional environment of trust, respect, and collaboration. Demonstrated ability to positively influence others with strong capabilities to supervise and grow a team of 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 desired, but not essential.

Cibus provides an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes medical/dental/vision, flexible spending, 401(k) plan, vacation and sick leave. If you enjoy working as part of a team and want to participate in this exciting research, please e-mail your resume to and put down job code: MD2422.

ONLY CANDIDATES WITH WORK AUTHORIZATION IN THE U.S. ARE CONSIDERED AT THIS TIME.