Zea Biosciences Corp is seeking a highly motivated and talented Scientist to join a team developing a novel manufacturing platform that will produce regulated biologics in plants grown within precise, controlled environments. Zea’s Lighthouse platform enables academic research in plant biologics to be scaled up and finally brought to the clinic and ultimately commercialized. Zea needs a curious and engaging Scientist to work closely with our CSO and other members of the Zea team to scope and execute a variety of projects and collaborations. This individual will have a strong understanding of molecular biology and protein biochemistry and familiarity with plant genetics. The Scientist will report to the Chief Scientific Officer and support other functional areas.

Core responsibilities:

• Work with leadership to establish research and development project plans.
• Apply and provide expert scientific knowledge on molecular genetics, protein biochemistry, immunology, and other critical aspects of biologics development.
• Scope objectives for various ongoing partner and client plant growth projects.  
• Develop detailed execution plans to test plant environmental parameters to optimize yield and quality.
• Manage projects with external contract research organizations (CROs).
• Manage technical staff for daily operations in the Lighthouse (cleanroom growing facility).
• Present results and plans to the Zea leadership team and external stakeholders regularly.
• Advise company leaders regarding R&D equipment and capabilities needs to meet the company’s vision of unlocking the universe of molecules for health and healing.

Qualifications and skills:

The successful candidate will be a Scientist with the following characteristics:

• Deep scientific knowledge applicable in biotechnology
• Personable, energetic, and motivated to do good for the world
• Curious and adaptable; able to function effectively in a diverse team
• Ability to address and solve problems
• Well-organized
• Skilled in data analysis, project scoping, and reporting (oral and written)
• Experience with plant transformation, vector design, and expression optimization, and stability
• Undergraduate degree in science with strong biotech science knowledge (recent Ph.D. with a few years’ experience preferred, but not required)

To apply for this position, please send us a cover letter telling us about yourself, your experience, and why you are well suited for this job at Zea, along with your resume and list of three references to: jobs@zeabio.com

Zea is an equal opportunity employer. It is the company’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic in all employment decisions.

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