Research Scientist - Impact of Environmental & Biological Conditions on Secondary Metabolites

At Interstellar Lab our mission is to build a future full of life, on Earth and beyond. We believe in a future where technology is enabling humans to live in harmony with nature, a future where biodiversity thrives and expands, a future where terrestrial life become multi-planetary.

To build this future, we design, manufacture and operate controlled-environment biofarms that unleash the power of plants. On Earth and in Space.

Our solutions combine Hardware, AI and Bioscience. We use controlled-environment technology to mimic a multitude of conditions to allow plants, fungi and microorganisms to grow faster, better and closer. On Earth, we are pioneering biofarming at scale, boosting formation of value bioactive compounds in plants and providing a sustainable and safe source of plant materials. In Space, we provide farming units to grow efficiently food for astronaut while accelerating plant research in microgravity.

THIS POSITION MIGHT REQUIRE LOCATION FLEXIBILITY AND TRAVELLING BETWEEN LOS ANGELES - PARIS - CAP CANAVERAL SITES. 

YOUR ROLE

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Scientist to join the Plant Team to research impact of environmental and microbiological conditions on plant secondary metabolites production. 

The selected candidate will investigate the growth and genomic mutations occurred due to environmental and microbiological conditions and  will identify production of the secondary metabolites by utilizing state-of-the art molecular techniques. Candidates must have a recent PhD (0 to 3 years of obtaining degree), a strong background in computational biology/bioinformatics. Knowledge about the microbiology and molecular biology and assay development experience is preferred. In addition, an understanding and ability to apply statistical techniques to the analysis of large data sets are a plus. Suitable candidates must also have excellent organizational and communication skills, be able to run multiple experiments, and be a creative self-starter with excellent attention to detail.

Position Duties & Responsibilities:

• Research impact of environmental and microbiological conditions on plant secondary metabolites production 
• Investigate the growth and genomic mutations occurred due to environmental and microbiological conditions
• Work closely with team members to design and implement experiments that test the effect of environmental and microbiological conditions on plant growth and metabolite production.
• Challenge research approaches and results with high scientific rigor.
• Implement strong data capture, evaluation, and analysis including statistical analysis, documentation.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Able to run multiple experiments

Education/Skills/Experience/Behaviors:

• Advanced degree in Metabolomics, Plant Physiology, Plant Biology, Agronomy or similar field (Ph.D.) and 3+ years of experience in plant physiology. Industry experience preferred.
• 3+ years of bioassay development experience in controlled environments.
• Experienced at experimental design based on plant growth variabilities/spatial variations and environmental factors in controlled-environment.
• Collaborative and team-focused with strong interpersonal skills.
• Able to lead and garner support for new projects in a matrix setting without direct reports.
• Excellent prioritization skills, self-motivated, and proactive.
• Strong Communication skills (verbal, written) with the ability to communicate at different levels and audience types.
• Experience with automated phenotyping platforms is a plus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Interstellar Lab. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.

Interstellar Lab is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  Interstellar Lab does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.