JOB DETAILS

Research Associate – Symbiont Technology (Plant Systems & Field Biology)

CompanyBoyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research
LocationIthaca
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 17, 2026
About The Company
Boyce Thompson Institute is a premier life sciences research institution located in Ithaca, New York on the Cornell University campus. BTI scientists conduct investigations into fundamental plant and life sciences research with the goals of increasing food security, improving environmental sustainability in agriculture and making basic discoveries that will enhance human health. Inspired by how plants work for humanity. Head to https://linktr.ee/BTIScience to explore more about BTI and for our “House Rules” for Social Media Comments.
About the Role

Description

  

We are seeking two highly motivated and independent Research Associates to lead and advance research on symbiont technology in plant systems, with a strong emphasis on field validation and translational biology. These positions offer a unique opportunity to drive an active, high-impact project with direct connections to USDA ARS and multi-state collaborative partners.

  

Responsibilities

  • Lead coordination of ongoing symbiont field trials in collaboration with internal and external partners, ensuring timely execution of monitoring, data collection, and experimental milestones 
  • Design and conduct experiments to advance symbiont technology, including export mechanisms and related molecular innovations 
  • Analyze and interpret complex datasets and lead synthesis of results across field and laboratory studies      
  • Supervise and mentor technical staff, providing daily guidance on experimental design, execution, and data collection 
  • Coordinate closely with project collaborators, including regular reporting of progress to USDA ARS leadership 
  • Maintain compliance with institutional safety and regulatory requirements (e.g., EHS, APHIS      permitting) 
  • Contribute to budget tracking and project management in coordination with administrative staff 
  • Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations for scientific and stakeholder audiences 

Requirements

  

The successful candidate will operate with a high degree of independence while embedded in a collaborative team that includes PhD-level scientists and experienced technical staff. The position includes access to established field sites, greenhouse and laboratory facilities, and a travel budget to support field-based research activities.

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated prior experience with symbiont technology and development of symbiont-forming constructs is required
  • Ph.D. in plant biology, plant pathology, entomology, or a related field is required
  • Demonstrated experience in experimental design, data analysis, and project leadership is required
  • Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple components of a complex research program is required
  • Experience with citrus field research, plant–microbe interactions, genome editing in grape, or translational agricultural systems is preferred
Key Skills
Symbiont technologyField trial coordinationExperimental designData analysisMolecular biologyProject leadershipPlant biologyPlant pathologyEntomologyTranslational agricultural systemsGenome editingTechnical staff supervisionRegulatory complianceScientific writingBudget tracking
Categories
Science & ResearchAgricultureEducation
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Research Associate will lead the coordination of symbiont field trials and design experiments to advance molecular innovations in plant systems. They are also responsible for supervising technical staff, managing project budgets, and reporting progress to collaborators.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$88,000 - $92,000
📊Experience Level
5-10
💼Company Size
147
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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