Bioengineering Scientist

Description

Ball Horticultural Company is the global leader in the breeding, production, and distribution of ornamental horticulture products. At Ball, we are committed to advancing next generation technologies and infrastructure to assure technology and product leadership in the horticultural industry. Essential components of our next generation innovation strategy include investments in our team and the design, build out, and management of a best-in-class Ball Helix Innovation Center.

The Position:

The Ball Helix Bioengineering Team is searching for an expert molecular biologist and genetic engineer with passion for plants and product development to help us with our mission to color the world. Reporting to the Bioengineering Research Lead, the successful candidate will work on research initiatives that will ultimately help bring new and exciting products to the market. She/he will primarily work in the laboratory, spearheading and executing projects focused on ornamental trait improvement. We are seeking an open-minded collaborator who cherishes teamwork but is a self-starter able to tackle challenges independently when necessary.  

Job Description: 

· Uses expertise in plant genetic engineering to enable new product development in ornamental species

· Works closely with other team members to support existing projects with DNA construct design, assembly, validation and molecular characterization of engineered plants

· Develops new technology and molecular assays necessary to achieve project goals

· Participates in and evaluates project proposals

· May manage and take accountability for specific projects and project teams

· Follows established workflows and maintains detailed records of all research work in ELN

· Independently initiates, designs, and performs research

· Proactively identifies issues and proposes solutions, executes process improvements routinely

· Analyzes data derived from research experiments and communicates results through internal presentations and external conferences, when appropriate

· Establishes standard laboratory procedures and oversees their implementation in the laboratory

· Directly interacts with stakeholders and collaborative research partners to drive ideation

· Daily lab upkeep including proper care and use of laboratory equipment

· Follows all mandated laboratory safety and quality protocols

· May supervise interns and/or other lab members

Requirements

· Ph.D. in plant science or in a related area of biology

· A minimum of 4 years laboratory experience through coursework and/or job experience is required

· Proficient in seamless cloning methods and basic molecular biology techniques

· Demonstrated track record in plant gene editing

· Knowledge of technologies, methods and processes for plant genetic engineering from idea to prototype

· Ability to adapt to new technologies and techniques  

· Ability to assess and make decisions based on available data

· Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing standard biology laboratory procedures

· Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously

· Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and written, in a multi-cultural setting

· Must be independent, self-motivated, reliable, and efficient

· Encourages diverse thinking to promote and nurture innovation

· Seeks ways to improve processes, from small tweaks to complete reengineering

· Works cooperatively with others across the organization to achieve shared objectives

· Proficient in basic computer skills (MS Word and Excel) for reporting and database entry

Preferred Skills & Experience:

· Experience working with ornamental crops

· Experience working in plant product development industry environment

· Hands-on experience in plant cell and/or tissue culture is a plus

· Experience with methods for genotyping of genetically engineering plant material

· Ability to analyze next generation-sequencing data to detect gene editing 

· Scientific project management experience preferred

Physical Requirements

· Ability to Lift/Carry 50 lbs 5% of the day

· Ability to push/pull 50 lbs 5% of the day 

· Ability to sit/stand 80% of the day 

· Ability to kneel/bend 10% of the day 

· Ability to reach 10% of the day 

· Ability to use hands/fingers 100% of the day 

· Ability to work in molecular biology laboratory, tissue culture laboratory, greenhouse, office, for 100% of the day. 

Our promise to you : 

We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable. 

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes: 

· Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance

· 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan

· Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays

· Tuition assistance

· Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs

· An onsite subsidized café overlooking renowned display gardens and restored natural areas