Sr. Research Associate, Plant Biology

Why you should join us:

At Sound Agriculture, we are revolutionizing the way the world grows food. Our innovative technology and solutions empower farmers to maximize nutrient efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and feed the world sustainably. Through a deeper understanding of plant and microbial biology, we are leveraging the natural power of plants to make agriculture more agile and resilient. If you’re passionate about cutting-edge science, making a real-world impact, and being part of a team that’s dedicated to transforming agriculture, we want you on our team! 

Sound is a Series D startup funded by leading investors in food and agriculture including Leaps by Bayer, Syngenta Group Ventures, S2G Ventures, BMO Impact Investment Fund, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Fall Line Capital, Cavallo Ventures, FootPrint Coalition and Northpond Ventures.

 

What we're seeking:

We are looking for a full-time Sr. Research Associate, Plant Biology to develop plant physiology experiments and assays under both greenhouse and laboratory settings. This individual will be responsible for in-planta screening and evaluation of small molecules in signaling or regulating plant growth and/or nutrient utilization. Success in this role will require hands-on experience in plant growth and maintenance, development of in-planta nutrient assays, collection and evaluation of plant phenotype data. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced research associate to be a part of a screening pipeline and to take on the responsibility of designing experiments, streamlining workflows, and optimizing screening activities.

The Sr. Research Associate, Plant Biology reports to a Research Scientist on the Plant Physiology team. This role is based on-site, working in our Emeryville, California laboratory.

Compensation Target:

$92,000 to $102,000 base salary, plus 10% bonus target. 

Bonuses are earned based on annual company and individual performance and are prorated based on start date. 

Sound reserves the ability to adjust the compensation range based on the final candidate’s experience, skillset, and geography. In addition to on target earnings, we offer above average equity grants for the industry as we believe that every employee should have a stake in the company’s growth. If you’re above this compensation target, we encourage you to reach out and discuss the entire package and opportunity before deciding not to pursue this position.  

 

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and maintain controlled environment and greenhouse experiments for the evaluation of the mode of action of small molecules on plant growth promotion 
• Collect plant phenotypic data by employing spectrophotometeric sensors, imaging, and other automated technologies 
• Develop in-vitro and/or in-planta nutrient assays to understand plant-microbe interactions
• Monitor plant health and growth
• Collect data, perform statistical analysis, and build reports 
• Keep abreast of relevant scientific literature for process improvement and workflow optimization

Targeted Skills & Experience

• BS degree in Plant Biology, Plant Science, or Agronomy with >5 years relevant experience or MS degree with 2-5 years experience
• Extensive greenhouse and controlled environment experience, especially growing corn, soy, and other crops of interest
• Must be able to work with chemicals, pesticides, and other irritating substances and wear personal protective equipment when necessary and/or required
• Knowledge of greenhouse and growth chamber systems including irrigation, heating/cooling, lighting, electrical and mechanical systems
• Ability to work in greenhouse conditions of high temperature, humidity, light, etc.; lift and carry at least 50 lb; stand/walk for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks that may be physically demanding
• Exceptional problem-solving and troubleshooting skills; high attention to detail, excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge in experimental design and statistical analysis
• Knowledge of plant diseases and pest management practices

This role demonstrates our core values by: 

• Boldness: Proactively execute new ideas and streamline processes in the greenhouse and laboratory to efficiently evaluate plant growth promoting effects of small molecules 
• Ownership: Take responsibility for setting up, maintaining, collecting & analyzing data for projects of different scope  
• Tenacity: Strong commitment to achieving goals and looks for ways to overcome obstacles in experimental execution
• Creativity: Innovatively look for ways to accelerate the development and efficiency of workflows to increase experimental cycles and accommodate higher plant volumes in the greenhouse and controlled environment settings

 

What we offer:

• Opportunity to work in an incredible team with a drive to build alternative solutions to age old practices that increase farmer ROI
• Competitive total rewards package including base compensation, performance bonus structure or uncapped commission plan for sales positions, and above market equity 
• Comprehensive health care plans including Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
• Flex Spending Account (Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter Benefit)
• Health Savings Account with monthly employer contribution (for employees on qualifying health plans)
• 401(k) with 3% company match
• Flexible vacation policy empowering employees to use time how they need, when they need 
• Mental health and wellbeing benefits - including dedicated monthly meeting free Focus Days 
• Paid parental leave 
• Pet insurance 
• Regular events and engagement activities (we actually like hanging out with each other!) 

 

Sound Agriculture does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies responding to job postings. We will not respond to unsolicited requests to submit candidates.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

We seek a diverse pool of applicants and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, Veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.

Sound participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Sound is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before Sound takes any action, including terminating your employment.