We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Plant Cell Culture Scientist to join our dynamic research team. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing our understanding of plant cell culture processes, with a focus on molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and plant cell culture fermentation. The role will utilize plant cell culture to make compounds native to specific plants, just in a controlled fermentation approach and not the field.

Essential Functions

• Act as subject matter expert in leveraging plant cell biology and culture as a platform technology for small molecule production.
• Design and execute experiments to investigate plant cell biology, plant cell culture, and how to code the cell to make a variety of small molecules.
• Expertise identifying, growing, and creating plant callus cultures.
• Proficient in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, and gene expression analysis for plant cell culture.
• Utilize advanced molecular biology techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, RNA-Seq, and imaging technologies for plant cell culture.
• Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and maintain laboratory equipment.

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 10+ years of experience.
• Expertise in plant cell culture and tissue analysis.
• Experience with flavors and fragrance expression in plant cell cultures desirable.
• Proven experience in plant cell biology research, demonstrated through a strong publication record.
• Expertise in molecular biology techniques, including CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, RNA-Seq, and imaging.
• Experience in strategic planning, decision-making, and managing complex projects.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of achieving organizational goals.
• Proficient in data analysis and bioinformatics tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of presenting research findings.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of scientists and researchers.
• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to a positive research environment.

Essential Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics described 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 qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

• Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck.
• Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers.
• Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting). Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.
• Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2).
• The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.
• The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.

Condition of Employment

As part of Debut’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000