Job Title: Research Associate
Location: Johnston, IA 50131
Duration: 12 Months (Possibility of extension depending upon business requirements and performance)
 
Job Description:

• The client is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Associate to support gene edited soybean research as part of a collaborative project between organization and the Gates Foundation.
• This project focuses on improving soybean nodulation to enhance nitrogen fixation, with the goal of increasing crop yield and sustainability.
• This is an excellent opportunity for an early career scientist to gain hands on experience in plant biology, controlled environment experiments, and applied agricultural research while working alongside experienced scientists in a collaborative team environment.

 
What You Will Do:

• Support the project leader and team members in planning and carrying out experiments.
• Assist with soybean nodulation assays in controlled environments, including experiment setup, plant care, and monitoring.
• Collect plant physiological and morphological data and prepare tissue samples for molecular and biochemical analyses.
• Accurately record, organize, and summarize experimental data using standard data management tools.
• Contribute to study reports, experiment summaries, and team discussions.

 
Qualifications
Desired Education, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in plant science, plant physiology, agronomy, biology, or a related scientific field.
• Coursework, internships, or hands on experience in plant research, agronomy, or laboratory work is a plus.
• Interest in plant trait discovery, gene editing, and sustainable agriculture.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn new experimental techniques.
• Good organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a collaborative team.

 
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 25.00/hr.