Indigo is a company dedicated to harnessing nature to help farmers sustainably feed the planet. With a vision of creating a world where farming is an economically desirable and accessible profession, Indigo works alongside its growers to apply natural approaches, conserve resources for future generations, and grow healthy food for all. Utilizing beneficial plant microbes to improve crop health and productivity, Indigo’s portfolio is focused on cotton, wheat, barley, corn, soybeans, and rice. The company, founded by Flagship Pioneering, is headquartered in Boston, MA, with additional offices in Memphis, TN, Research Triangle Park, NC, Sydney, Australia, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and São Paulo, Brazil. www.indigoag.com

The role of the Quality Assurance Research Associate II is to ensure that Indigo seed applied microbial products meet established quality standards and expectations by performing microbial analytical procedures to characterize in-process and commercial microbial samples.

 Key Outcomes:

• Follow established QC processes and protocols to determine concentration and purity of microbial samples under critical timelines
• Conduct stability analysis on bulk and final formulations and assess physical attributes of samples, including viscosity, density and moisture
• Coordinate incoming samples from contract manufacturers
• Track and organize sample and retain inventory
• Maintain the sample testing calendar
• Create cell banks for manufacturing
• Record and interpret QC data, using Excel, and issue Certificate of Analyses
• Assist with experiments to define more efficient and cost effective microbial analytic protocols and develop assays for high throughput screening
• Occasionally isolate DNA from microbial samples
• Execute on contamination preventive initiatives, using 5S methodology

Competencies:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy; organized and methodical
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency
• Team player with demonstrated ability to work with both internal and external collaborators

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, or Microbiology with minimum 4 years prior lab experience
• Strong microbiology and associated microbial testing methodologies background, with applied experience in CFU plating, physical attribute testing, and demonstrated proficiency with sterile technique
• Working knowledge of Quality Control procedures and processes, experience writing and following SOPs