Indigo is seeking an energetic person to join our team and help in the development of micro-organism based agricultural products that improve stress tolerance and crop yield using organisms isolated from the plant microbiome. The Research Associate Formulations will work to develop stable and robust seed coating formulations containing living organisms for a variety of crops. The candidate will assist in the development of biochemical based assays to assess the metabolic and physiological state of a range of micro-organisms and how they relate to long term stability. The candidate should possess a solid understanding of microbial metabolism and dormancy. The Research Associate Formulations is a laboratory based position and will work in collaboration with other scientists and engineers to carry out their work. The candidate will be a part of the Formulations group focused on the development of commercially scalable and cost effective formulations, but will routinely work with members of other groups at Indigo.

The candidate preferably has a minimum of a B.S. degree with 0 to 5 years of industrial experience in the area of molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field. Experience with seed applied microbial products is a plus.

The ideal candidate for the Research Associate Formulations will be knowledgeable and has practical expertise in the following areas:

• Basic microbiology and aseptic technique
• Biochemical assay development
• Microbial metabolism during states of dormancy or quiescence
• Stabilization and preservation of bacterial and fungal species
• Agricultural seed treatment processes and characterization of seed coatings and formulations is a plus

The candidate should also possess the following qualities:

• Ability to work in a diverse, fast paced, start-up environment
• Flexibility and acceptance of change
• Keen interest in understanding complex chemical and biological systems
• Observant with a strong attention to detail
• Perform laboratory work in a clean and safe manner
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills