Research Scientist

NovoClade is seeking a Research Scientist with expertise in entomology, molecular biology, genetics, or a related scientific or engineering discipline. The Research Scientist will join a multidisciplinary team developing genetically engineered insects for pest-control applications. This is a hands-on laboratory position with substantial responsibility for experimental planning, technical execution, data interpretation, and mentorship of other laboratory personnel. The successful candidate will be collaborative, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and comfortable working in the fast-paced environment of an early-stage biotechnology company. This position offers an opportunity to help establish the scientific and technical foundation of a growing company developing innovative approaches to insect biocontrol.

• Design, plan, and conduct experiments supporting the development of genetically engineered insect strains.
• Perform insect transgenesis, genome editing, molecular cloning, and DNA construct assembly.
• Conduct insect breeding experiments and support the maintenance, expansion, and characterization of insect colonies.
• Develop and optimize experimental protocols, assays, and laboratory workflows.
• Independently research relevant scientific literature and apply current methods to project objectives.
• Analyze, interpret, document, and communicate experimental results.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges and recommend changes in experimental strategy.
• Work with management and project teams to define objectives, timelines, milestones, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate complex laboratory studies and contribute to experimental work plans and schedules.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and well-organized laboratory records.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to research staff, interns, and other laboratory personnel.
• Prepare technical reports, research summaries, presentations, scientific publications, patent materials, and research proposals.
• Present results and participate in project, laboratory, and company meetings.
• Contribute to the development of a collaborative, rigorous, and safety-conscious laboratory culture.

• Ph.D. in entomology, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a closely related field.
• At least two years of relevant academic or industry laboratory experience beyond graduate research.
• Strong theoretical understanding and demonstrated technical proficiency in molecular biology.
• Hands-on experience with DNA assembly, molecular cloning, PCR, nucleic acid purification, sequence analysis, and related laboratory techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot protocols, interpret data, and determine appropriate next steps.
• Ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities while maintaining accurate and detailed documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to less-experienced laboratory personnel.
• Willingness to perform hands-on insect handling, rearing, breeding, and laboratory maintenance activities.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. NovoClade is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position, now or in the future.

• Direct experience with insect transgenesis, including embryo preparation, microinjection, screening, and establishment of transgenic lines.
• Experience maintaining and experimentally manipulating insect colonies.
• Experience with genome-editing systems such as CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs, base editors, or related technologies.
• Experience with transfection, nucleic-acid delivery, or embryo-injection methodologies.
• Experience designing genetic constructs, expression systems, selectable markers, or conditional genetic systems.
• Experience with insect genetics, reproductive biology, developmental biology, or pest-management applications.
• Proficiency with molecular biology and sequence-analysis software such as Geneious, Benchling, ApE, or similar platforms.
• Experience supervising, training, or mentoring research personnel.
• Experience working in a biotechnology company, startup, or other fast-moving research environment.
• Contributions to peer-reviewed publications, patents, grant applications, or funded research proposals.
• Familiarity with quantitative data analysis, experimental design, or bioinformatics.

Annual salary based on experience and qualifications, with eligibility for performance-based bonus compensation and opportunities for additional compensation through stock options.

• Health, vision, and dental plans.
• Retirement benefits.