Indigo is developing microbiome-based agricultural solutions to improve crop yields with sustainable products derived from plant microbiomes. The role of Screening team Research Associate is to support ongoing laboratory work aimed at characterizing microbial strains and understanding their interactions with the innate plant and soil microbiomes, with the ultimate goal of developing new products with improved and consistent performance. The primary objective of the research associate will be to assist in implementing high throughput screening assays in our discovery pipeline. The new methods will be implemented in our discovery to provide inoculum for our high throughput screening assays. This role is expected to require 40 hours per week.

 Outcomes

• Increase throughput of methods using automation
• Media preparation
• In vitro and in planta experiment set up
• Data capture and analysis

 Competencies

• BS and 0-2 years industrial or academic experience in microbiology
• Background in life sciences, preferably with knowledge of microbiology, plant biology, agriculture or ecology
• Experience with R or python for data analysis
• Experience in data management and analysis using basic statistical tests
• Organized, methodical, and attention to detail required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with sterile technique
• Ability to translate a research plan into a well-executed experiment
• Proven track record of completing tasks and projects 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Creative, high energy, enthusiastic, and positive attitude
• Able to identify problems and suggest solutions
• Expertise in use and programming of automation preferred
• Aligned with Indigo’s mission and core values

 Responsibilities:

• Weekly meeting attendance where experiments and execution are discussed
• Assist in the execution of experiments by performing delicate laboratory procedures that require focus and attention to detail
• Collect high quality data on experiments in Laboratory Notebook
• Maintain a record of communications with other members of the organization, ensuring data and results sharing
• Demonstrate an ability to improve assays and protocols, through observation and scientific knowledge