FORMULATIONS & BIOPROCESSING CO-OP 

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 

Working with the Formulations team, the co-op will help improve on-seed efficacy of plant beneficial microbes. They will gain insight on seed treatment practices that offer crop protection. They will be a valued member of our team that will provide support on high priority projects. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Determine the chemical compatibility of Indigo microbes with commercial seed treatment  
• Treat seeds with pesticides and microbes, and understand the interaction between the two 
• Extract microbes from seeds 
• Plate microbes onto agar media and count colonies 
• Treat soil with pesticides and microbes, and extract microbes from soil 
• Formulate microbes into liquid amendments 
• Work aseptically to accurately monitor microbial populations over time 
• Support US Field Trials and any high priority projects that arise 
• Understand and embody our purpose & core values  
  • Excited by Indigo’s mission; believes that Indigo can fundamentally change the agriculture industry; can clearly articulate passion for our mission and values 
  • Optimistic and innovative; solution-oriented; shows no signs of cynicism 
  • Will be widely viewed as someone who personifies our core values, is committed to them, and leans on them when making decisions. Specifically:
    • Demonstrates a track record of high integrity - doing the right thing, owning mistakes, conducting oneself honestly 
    • Values, communicates and interacts with others with high levels of transparency and respect 
  • Collaborates well across functions; creates an inspiring and collegial work environment 

COMPETENCIES  

• Self motivated, able to work alone on tasks 
• Ability to listen to and follow tasks closely 
• Willingness to take direction and guidance 
• Willing to work at a relatively fast pace, common in the start-up world 
• Pursuing a BS in a scientific field like Biology or Agriculture or Chemistry
• Research oriented mind is a strong plus 
• Competency in Excel 
• A background working in aseptic technique is a plus 
• Some background knowledge in microbiology is a plus, but not required 

Indigo is committed to living our values, specifically “creating a work environment where everyone feels respected, connected, and has opportunities to learn and grow.” As part of living our values, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone feels they can be themselves and has an equal opportunity of succeeding.