Research Associate II

We are out of time. Change must be immediate. We have to help the world find alternative ways to produce all the same things we love. But better. Using less land, less water, less energy, and making less waste. If you think that sounds like a mission, well, you are right. We are solving the world’s most important problems with talented individuals who share our passion to change the world. GALY is an early-stage company developing novel in vitro plant cell culture methods to produce cotton and other plant products in a process that is faster and uses fewer resources than if grown in the ground. GALY's environment is built so everyone, regardless of gender, race, religion, age, or background, can do their best work. 

We are the movers and the shakers that have taken the leap from traditional agriculture to cellular agriculture. We value curious, creative and enthusiastic individuals who share our passion for improving the world through technology. In joining GALY, you will be a part of our diverse culture driven by collaboration, science and technology.  Learn more about us and our culture by visiting our LinkedIn page!  

Galy is seeking a Research Associate II to join our dynamic team, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in cellular agriculture. As part of our matrixed and project-based organization, you will collaborate with scientists and fellow RAs on various projects aimed at enhancing product quality, optimizing cell lines, and innovating new products. 

Responsibilities:  

Collaborate with scientific staff to plan and organize experiments, ensuring data collection meets project needs. 

• Analyze experimental data, prepare reports, and contribute to decision-making through data. 
• Conduct experiments to improve fiber qualities and optimize cell lines for an array of projects. 
• Develop new cell lines for products, supporting experiments with sub-culture and media optimization. 
• Perform biochemical and molecular characterizations of cell lines using techniques such as qPCR, PCR, and tissue culture. 
• Execute microscopy and other cellular analyses to assess and enhance cell line quality. 
• Bring critical thinking to the role, proposing innovative solutions to improve project outcomes. 

Qualifications:   

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or related field. 
• Experience with plant tissue culture techniques. 
• Proficiency in aseptic technique, media preparation, and cell culture. 
• Experience with molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction. 
• Familiarity with data tools such as JMP for basic statistical work. 
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, matrixed environment. 
• Excellent communication skills, open to feedback, and respectful in team interactions. 
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and ability to bring new ideas to the team. 
• Comfortable managing ambiguity in a startup environment. 

Nice-to-Haves:  

• Industry experience, preferably as a Research Associate.
• Knowledge of vector design, cloning, and spectrophotometry. 
• Microscopy skills, including confocal microscopy.
• Familiarity with immuno staining techniques. 

What we offer at GALY:  

• A nimble organization with plenty of growth opportunities  
• Competitive total compensation, commensurate with experience  
• Excellent full-time benefits that include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as life and disability insurance 
• 401(k) with company match 
• Holidays and Paid Time Off, which may include company paid vacation during the last week of December 
• Additional benefits include allowance for food, transportation and continuing education 
• Stock Option Plan  

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.  GALY may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa now or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the functions, responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position, and GALY retains the discretion to modify functions, responsibilities, duties and skills at any time, including modifying the time devoted to such activities, deleting activities and assigning other activities. 

Who we are:

GALY is growing the future. We are an army of dreamers that believe scientists are the artists of a new era. We envision a world where we can still produce sought-after materials without the physical burden we place on the planet and its people, especially those without opportunity. That is why we are revolutionizing the way we produce goods today by building a much more sustainable and distributable form of agriculture. However, nobody takes innovation seriously until you scale it. We are on it!  By developing novel scale-up strategies for in-vitro production of cotton that have never been done on an industrial scale, we will achieve something truly new. To do this, we are gathering a team with highly diverse skills and experiences, ranging from genetic engineering, plant cell culture, sterile process development, bioreactor design, mathematics, statistics agriculture, high-performance automation, stylists, illustrators, fashion designers, creative business development, marketing and branding strategies. A group on a mission to save our planet. We are scientists. We are artists. We are GALY.