Job Title: Biologics Researcher
Duration: 6+ Months
Location: Chesterfield MO
Pay Rate: $30 - 32/hr.
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated and skilled Research Associate to join our R&D team for an exciting one-year discovery project focused on screening corn germplasm for colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of plant biology, microbiology, and molecular biology, contributing to innovative research that spans laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments. The selected candidate will play a key part in advancing the understanding of beneficial plant–microbe relationships and their potential applications in agricultural innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Greenhouse & Field Research
- Support greenhouse trials evaluating corn treated with microbial inoculants, including planting, fertilization management, growth monitoring, and destructive plant harvesting.
- Prepare microbial inoculum using basic microbiology techniques, including culturing, quantification, and application for plant inoculation.
- Travel to field trial locations to collect root samples from diverse corn germplasm.
Laboratory Research
- Perform molecular biology workflows such as DNA extraction, quantification, and amplification (including qRT-PCR).
- Assist in detecting and analyzing target gene variants in corn germplasm using bioinformatics tools.
- Evaluate microbial colonization in roots using microscopy techniques, including histochemical staining and fluorescence imaging.
- Maintain accurate records of laboratory activities and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
Data & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
- Present findings to project teams and cross-functional R&D stakeholders.
- Provide support for controlled-environment plant physiology studies or laboratory-based microbiology experiments as needed.
- Contribute to intellectual property protection by maintaining proper documentation and confidentiality.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Demonstrated experience in plant physiology, plant–microbe interactions, soil microbiology, and/or molecular biology.
- Hands-on proficiency with microscopy, particularly fluorescence imaging.
- Strong scientific foundation with the ability to integrate cross-disciplinary approaches.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data clearly.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills; capable of working both independently and collaboratively.
- Adaptability to evolving project needs and shifting priorities.
- Self-driven, proactive attitude with a commitment to team success.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Plant Physiology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 4+ years of experience,
OR
- Master’s degree in a relevant field with 1+ year of experience.
Dexian is a leading provider of staffing, IT, and workforce solutions with over 12,000 employees and 70 locations worldwide. As one of the largest IT staffing companies and the 2nd largest minority-owned staffing company in the U.S., Dexian was formed in 2023 through the merger of DISYS and Signature Consultants. Combining the best elements of its core companies, Dexian's platform connects talent, technology, and organizations to produce game-changing results that help everyone achieve their ambitions and goals. Dexian's brands include Dexian DISYS, Dexian Signature Consultants, Dexian Government Solutions, Dexian Talent Development and Dexian IT Solutions. Visit https://dexian.com/_Dexian | Unlock trajectory changing opportunitiesUnlock business potential with Dexian's comprehensive solutions. Discover staffing, talent development, and valuable resources. Explore now!dexian.com to learn more. Dexian is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status._Dexian is a leading provider of staffing, IT, and workforce solutions with over 12,000 employees and 70 locations worldwide. As one of the largest IT staffing companies and the 2nd largest minority-owned staffing company in the U.S., Dexian was formed in 2023 through the merger of DISYS and Signature Consultants. Combining the best elements of its core companies, Dexian's platform connects talent, technology, and organizations to produce game-changing results that help everyone achieve their ambitions and goals.Dexian's brands include Dexian DISYS, Dexian Signature Consultants, Dexian Government Solutions, Dexian Talent Development and Dexian IT Solutions. Visit https://dexian.com/ to learn more.Dexian is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran statusDisclaimer:- The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this message are intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments. The views expressed in this E-mail message (including the enclosure/(s) or attachment/(s) if any) are those of the individual sender, except where the sender expressly, and with authority, states them to be the views of Dexian DISYS. Before opening any mail and attachments please check them for viruses. Dexian DISYS does not accept any liability for virus infected Saniya InamdarTechnical RecruiterPhone: 201-595-0351Email: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/saniya-inamdar-40839720bGot feedback? Please email Search & Apply for more jobs @ Disclaimer:- The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this message are intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments. The views expressed in this E-mail message (including the enclosure/(s) or attachment/(s) if any) are those of the individual sender, except where the sender expressly, and with authority, states them to be the views of Dexian DISYS. Before opening any mail and attachments please check them for viruses. Dexian DISYS does not accept any liability for virus infected mails.
Job Type: Contract
Pay: $30.00 - $32.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
