Research Associate, Sampling and DNA Extraction

About Inari...

Inari is the SEEDesign™ company. We embrace the diversity and complexity of nature in every aspect of our business to drive innovation – to push the boundaries of what is possible. Through our unrivaled technology platform, Inari uses predictive design and advanced multiplex gene editing to develop step-change products. We are taking a nature positive approach to unlock the full potential of seeds that will transform the food system. The results will lead to more productive acres delivering value creation for farmers and a more sustainable future for our planet.

Our success is dependent on great minds, collaborating to generate bright ideas and deliver exceptional outcomes.

We have 200 employees, with research sites in Cambridge, MA (USA) and Ghent (Belgium), as well as a product development site in West Lafayette, IN (USA). We’ve deliberately built a team that brings diversity of thought to all aspects of our business, to generate new ideas, approaches, and ways of operating. And we've intentionally combined experience with potential, bringing agriculture industry experts with the desire to innovate together with bright minds from academia, human therapeutics, software, and consulting. If you want to be part of a diverse and inclusive team developing unique solutions to feed the world while protecting our planet’s natural resources, we’d love to hear from you!

About the role...

We are looking for a self-motivated Research Associate to support high-through-put sampling, molecular characterization and plant care activities across multiple projects within Early Product Development. This is a hands-on, lab-based role which requires the ability to work efficiently and troubleshoot. The right candidate will be well-organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and able to deliver high-quality results on time.

As a Research Associate, Sampling and DNA Extraction, you will…

• Sample tissue culture and greenhouse grown plants across multiple crops and deliver samples (plant tissue) for molecular characterization
• Prepare, track, organize and process large number of plant samples while ensuring sample integrity and traceability
• Support DNA and RNA extraction utilizing high throughput automation
• Provide quality plant care, transplanting, and plant maintenance activities to enable the transfer of characterized plants from the lab to the controlled environment spaces on a weekly basis
• Maintain a clean working environment in the lab and plant growth chambers for plant tissue sampling and plant care
• Collaborate with scientists and research associates to identify gaps, troubleshoot workflows and develop effective solutions when problems occur
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives that increase throughput, quality and operational efficiency
• Support multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining effective stakeholder communication, data quality and timely delivery of results
• Maintain accurate, comprehensible, and current laboratory records in databases and notebooks
• Work safely and effectively within laboratory and controlled environment settings

You bring…

• Associates or Bachelor’s in Plant Biology, Biotechnology, Agriculture or a related subject
• Experience handling and caring for crop plants such as soybean, maize, wheat
• Experience with aseptic technique in laminar flow and biocontainment hoods
• Familiarity with high throughput DNA and RNA extraction automation workflows
• Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent planning, organization, and execution skills
• Ability to develop and optimize protocols
• Proficiency with Google Suite (Mail, Docs, Slides, Sheets and Drive) and cloud-based electronic notebook software like Benchling
• Experience using LIMS for lab operations
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Curiosity, desire to continuously learn and have a meaningful impact
• Demonstrated innovative and- critical thinking, with a willingness to be bold and take risks
• A collaborative approach, open to giving and receiving ideas, perspectives, and feedback
• An interest in science and/or agriculture

Additional preferred qualifications…

• Knowledge of Molecular Biology and automated workflows
• Experience with tissue culture and plant propagation

Inari pays competitively and rewards results.​

The salary range for this position is $51,600 - 71,900. Whether you are full-time or part-time, Inari provide three different components of pay – base, short-term incentive, and long-term equity along with a one-time new hire stock option grant. That's rare!​

We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including both a Preferred Provider Network (PPO) and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a company-funded health savings account (HSA), vision, dental, and several flexible spending accounts (FSA), a host of voluntary benefits, and a robust wellness program. In addition, Inari offers a 401k plan with a company matching and a flexible paid time off policy. ​

Consistent with our commitment to pay transparency, salary range information is being disclosed. Please note that offers are based on the candidate's qualifications & experience as well as market demand.

Inari is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Learn more about us:

About Inari: https://inari.com/about/

Multiplex Gene Editing – The Key to Unlocking the Full Potential of Seed: https://inari.com/multiplex-gene-editing-matters-for-the-population-the-planet-and-the-people-who-grow-our-food/

The Promise of AI in Plant Breeding: https://inari.com/the-promise-of-ai-in-plant-breeding-2/

Unseen Upside Podcast: AI & Agriculture – Data-Driven Fields, Resilient Futures: https://www.cambridgeassociates.com/podcasts/agriculture/

AgTech Breakthrough AgTech Company of the Year:  https://inari.com/inari-repeats-as-agtech-company-of-the-year/

Bloomberg: Inari AgTech Startup:  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-07/agtech-startup-inari-raises-equity-at-2-17-billion-valuation

BBC: Disaster-Proofing Crops: https://inari.com/bbc-news-how-crops-are-being-disaster-proofed/

Reuters: Gene Editing Wheat: https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/australian-trial-gene-edited-wheat-aims-10-bigger-yields-2024-05-23/#:~:text=CANBERRA%2C%20May%2023%20(Reuters),and%20make%20farming%20more%20sustainable

Inari at Databricks Data + AI Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJG-r3ob-n0

Job Applicant Privacy Notice: https://inari.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Job-Applicant-Privacy-Notice.pdf

FOR U.S. CANDIDATES: Please note that we use the resume you submit with your application during our background check process. To ensure an efficient and accurate background verification, we kindly ask that you carefully review and accurately represent your work history, education and other relevant information on your resume. Any discrepancies or inaccuracies found during the background check may impact your candidacy for the position. 

Inari Agriculture provides immigration sponsorship for candidates in certain qualified roles that meet performance criteria. However, the company will not provide sponsorship to H-1B candidates whose employment would require payment of the $100,000 fee mandated by the Presidential Proclamation “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.