Job Description

Job Title: Scientist, Molecular Biology Reporting to: Associate Director, Molecular Biology Location: Durham, North Carolina About Pairwise: Pairwise is a mission driven AgriFoodTech company pioneering the application of CRISPR technology in food and agriculture. Founded in 2017 by leading scientists in the gene editing and biotechnology fields, Pairwise holds licenses from Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital to base editing and high-fidelity enzymes – in addition to our own proprietary, company-developed suite of novel tools. Anchored by our Fulcrum™ platform and deep technical and agronomic expertise in more than 60 crops, we’re accelerating innovation in plant genetics, food and agricultural products, supply chains, and production systems. Our expert team delivers commercially viable products that benefit the planet, consumers, growers, and our business partners. After successfully delivering 27 novel traits to Bayer’s pipeline during our first collaboration for corn, soy, wheat, and canola, our second collaboration currently underway is focused on developing climate-friendly short-stature corn – with more partnerships on the horizon. Our consumer-facing pipeline includes seedless blackberries and pitless cherries. Named one of America’s Top GreenTech Companies, Pairwise is based in the start-up friendly Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina. About This Role: Pairwise is seeking a highly-dedicated research scientist to join our Molecular Biology team and be part of our cutting-edge technology and product development pipeline. As a molecular biology scientist, you will join a dynamic team responsible for designing and building state-of-the-art genome editing tools, optimizing their performance, and applying them to a diverse set of row and consumer crop plants. This role is perfect for someone passionate about making a tangible impact through advanced gene editing technologies. You'll be at the forefront of scientific innovation, working to improve and develop new genome editing capabilities and ensuring their optimal deployment to accomplish trait goals. We are looking for someone with robust experience in vector design and construction, a strong background in molecular cloning, as well as other molecular skills. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of state-of-the-art molecular cloning technologies and a deep understanding of how to optimize gene editing specifically in plants. In this role, your efforts will directly influence the development of next-generation crops that have the potential to be found in grocery stores across the country. By working on innovative projects like seedless blackberries and pitless cherries, you will contribute to advancements that aim to bring healthier and more convenient produce to consumers. Your work will support the creation of crops that are not only beneficial to the environment and sustainable agriculture but also enhance the quality and variety of food available to people everywhere. Essential Functions:

• Design and troubleshoot: Design the gene editing vectors used across the many crop pipelines at Pairwise and work with the production teams to troubleshoot cloning issues.
• Innovate: Contribute to solving challenging editing problems by developing new tools and strategies for plant gene editing.
• Lead: Manage projects and workstreams to increase the efficiency of gene editing technology in plants.
• Analyze: Interpret and communicate data to guide scientific strategy and drive impactful outcomes.
• Present: Share findings both internally and externally to influence scientific direction and partnerships.
• Collaborate: Work closely with scientists across the R&D organization to optimize and invent world-class capabilities in plant gene editing.

Required Education & Experience:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology, or a related field, or equivalent experience with a strong track record in plant gene editing.
• Proven excellence in formulating and executing plant research leading to novel insights.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and collaborate effectively in a cross-functional environment.
• Expertise in vector design and construction, with a focus on creating efficient gene editing vectors.
• Strong background in molecular cloning techniques, including state-of-the-art methodologies such as Golden Gate cloning, Gibson assembly, and other advanced cloning technologies.
• Extensive experience in optimizing gene editing processes specifically for plant systems.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, including PPE use, SDSs, and proper handling and disposal of lab waste.
• Ability to analyze complex data and communicate results effectively to guide scientific strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects/teams through influential leadership and to mentor junior scientists.

Offerings:

• Comprehensive Benefits Plan, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA/FSA, 401k, Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, and more!
• Flexible PTO (use what you need, when you need it), in addition to company holidays.
• Casual work environment.
• Mission-driven organization focused on creating healthier fruits and veggies.
• A cutting-edge, driven community looking to lead the industry in innovation and nutrition.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle or feel, and techniques that require fine motor skills and repetitive motions. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. EEO Statement: We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Pairwise we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. No Recruiters please.

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Casual work, Flexible hours,

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