A Molecular Biologist studies plant and animal life and conducts research to understand molecular and biochemical processes. May teach molecular biology or specialize in clinical research, gene sequencing, medical research and treatment, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or plant research. Directs research experiments and staff, operates specialized equipment and analyzes and reports research results.
Johnston, IA Job Details Contract $24 an hour 1 day ago Qualifications Electrophoresis equipment Microbiological culture handling DNA analysis PCR machines Word embeddings Master's degree Molecular cloning RNA sample handling Research data analysis Productivity software Gene expression analysis Bioinformatics data analysis Molecular analysis
Full Job Description Job Summary:
Job Title:
Research Associate Contract:
1 year
Shift:
Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5
PM Location:
Johnston, IA 50131 Pay rate: $24/hr
Key Responsibilities:
Design and conduct experiments to discover and test gene expression elements. Perform molecular biology and plant biotechnology techniques, including PCR, cloning, plasmid preparation, Agrobacterium transformation, transient expression, and protoplast assays . Collect and prepare plant samples for protein, RNA/transcript, and reporter analysis. Organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data to identify expression patterns and trends. Maintain accurate laboratory records and follow safety, regulatory, and data-integrity requirements. Troubleshoot experiments and improve laboratory workflows. Collaborate with scientists, bioinformatics, greenhouse, transformation, and trait teams. Present results and recommend next steps clearly.
Required Qualifications:
Master's degree in molecular biology, plant biology, genetics, biotechnology, biochemistry, crop science, or a related field. Hands-on experience with PCR, cloning, plasmid isolation, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and DNA/RNA handling . Research laboratory experience with strong attention to accuracy and reproducibility. Good organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills. Basic bioinformatics and data-analysis skills. Ability to manage multiple experiments, samples, timelines, and datasets. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint .
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Agrobacterium, transient expression, protoplasts, reporter assays, or high-throughput expression assays . Experience working with plants in laboratory, greenhouse, or growth-chamber settings. Knowledge of gene regulation, promoter function, introns, UTRs, or transgene design. Experience with protein/transcript analysis, imaging, phenotyping, or sample tracking. Familiarity with statistics, data visualization, genomics, transcriptomics, AI/ML, or bioinformatics. Curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies.
