Description:

　　An early-stage startup company developing RNAi-based bio solutions for the control of important pests and pathogens of agriculture and animal health. We are seeking to expand our team located in St. Louis, Missouri by adding a Research Assistant position who will report to the Project Leads. The Research Assistant will help develop new, and more sustainable solutions based on RNAi technology that are friendlier to the environment and safer to animal and human health. This Research Assistant will be involved in basic molecular biology works and insect bioassays. We are looking for an individual who has hands-on experience in general molecular biology techniques, and sterile techniques as it pertains to the culture and maintenance of bacterial cultures as well as good problem-solving skills, and a strong desire to learn new skills.

　　This role will support a lab that engineers bacterial strains. The job responsibilities include growing and analyzing bacterial cultures and performing typical molecular biology tasks such as PCR, plasmid and genomic DNA extraction, RNA extraction, restriction digestion, and agarose gel electrophoresis.

　　They will also support a team that sets up insect bioassays, which will involve direct handling of some arthropod pests of agriculture. About 50% of their time will be spent on molecular biology tasks, and 50% spent on entomology/setting up bioassays, but this may fluctuate day to day. The role will require a fair amount of flexibility and agility to plug in where needed in support of the ebb and flow of their work.

　　Skills:

　　Molecular biology, PCR, dna extraction, RNA, entomology, and Insect Bioassays

　　Skills & Qualifications:

　　Must possess at least 6 months of experience (open to a little less if it is very relevant) in an INDUSTRY setting- not academia unless we can make a super compelling argument as to why they are a standout- in molecular biology- specifically experience with DNA/RNA extractions and PCR; setting up PCR reactions, CLONING, RNA/DNA extractions

　　Helpful if they have some prior exposure to fungus or fungi - NOT required

　　Bachelor's Degree required unless they have significant experience (more than 2 years) in the above

　　Must have Basic sterile technique as well.

　　Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

　　At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

　　Hiring diverse talent

　　Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection

　　Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes

　　Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

　　Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

　　About Actalent

　　Actalent connects passion with purpose. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts that drive scale, innovation, and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 engineering and sciences consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia, and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. An operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions, Actalent launched as a new specialized engineering and sciences services and workforce solutions brand in 2021.