Solid Substrate Fermentation 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

We are looking for a co-op who has an interest in microbial fermentation as well as getting plenty of lab experience. This would be a great opportunity to become familiar with some novel microorganisms and earn unique fermentation and downstream processing techniques. Who knows, you may also get some irreplaceable life and career advice from our small team of researchers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Use microscopy to make observation about organism characteristics
• Prepare fermentation media for growth experiments and bioproduction
• Assist in high-throughput screening assays
• Perform viability assays to track organism productivity and stability
• Assist with general lab upkeep
• Assist in microbe inoculations and harvests
• Assist in downstream processing experiments
• Prepare cultures for DNA extraction
• Perform analytical responses such as pH recording, water activity measurement, and moisture content analysis.
• Perform streak plates to isolate bacterial and fungal colonies and test purity
• 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

• Be flexible and adaptable to priority changes
• Thrive in a fast-paced work environment
• Have attention to detail and ability to keep multiple projects organized
• Must not be hesitant to ask questions
• Team player and support peers during high stress times
• Must be aware of areas for personal growth
• Self-starter during times of ambiguity
• Some experience in microbiology would be ideal, but not required as long as co-op is ready to learn
• Familiarity with aseptic technique would be ideal, but not required
• Experience using a microscope would be ideal, but not required
• Must be comfortable with providing honest feedback and maintaining open communication with team