Position Summary

The Research Assistant will be a dedicated individual to contribute to the crucial task of providing genome edited cannabis (hemp) plants for research and development purposes. The candidate will be driven, enthusiastic, and ready to support the R&D pipeline through various laboratory, molecular biology and plant tissue culture activities. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team at the forefront of cannabis research. This is a 100%-time position to perform research on cannabis in our wet lab located at the Innosphere campus in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Perform plant tissue culture tasks including preparation of explants, inoculation with bacteria, sterile tissue transfers and data collection.
• Perform lab management and provide lab logistics support such as autoclaving, preparation of lab supplies, and other related tasks.
• Collaborate effectively within a team environment
• Assist in developing improved tissue culture and transformation pipelines for cannabis.
• Assist in genomic studies and the development of molecular diagnostic assays.
• Job Duties will include:
  • (10%) Laboratory management, administrative duties, research supply
  • (60%) Media preparation, tissue culture, and genome editing of hemp
  • (10%) Plasmid cloning and validation
  • (10%) Development of molecular diagnostic assays by qPCR
  • (10%) Collecting, analyzing and presenting data, organizing projects, preparing and attending meetings
• Other duties as required by management

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

The incumbent must possess:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular and cellular biology, plant biology, genetics, plant breeding, biotechnology, horticulture or a related field.
• Experience with plant tissue culture, genetics, transformation, gene editing, and/or biochemistry.
• Experience with plasmid cloning techniques.
• Experience with PCR, quantitative PCR and assay development, and basic DNA sequence analysis.
• Prior experience working in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with sterile techniques.
• Experience with tissue culture and strong attention to details.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

_ Preferred Qualifications:_

• Proven record in publishing/patenting research.
• Experience with genomics and genetics (knowledge/skills)
• Experience with computer and bioinformatic tools
• Experience with cannabis research

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands listed and check here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of sitting at sterile hoods.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will relationship.