About Benson Hill
Benson Hill empowers innovators to develop more healthy, tasty and sustainable food by unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants. Benson Hill’s CropOS™ platform combines machine learning and big data with breeding techniques and plant biology to drastically accelerate and simplify the product development process. This platform allows for cost-effective and more efficient ways for companies to analyze and make improvements in plant genetics. Benson Hill brings a unique and holistic approach to our product and platform development, as we span a broader workflow involving trait and seed development, genome editing, and breeding all the way to creating better ingredients and varieties that tap a strong consumer demand for more flavorful and nutritious fruits and vegetables. More information can be found online at www.bensonhill.com. Follow us on Twitter at @BensonHillInc.

Our Purpose and Core Values

Our Core Values are a set of common principles we share that are fundamental to our company’s identity.

  • Be Bold!  We redefine boundaries by providing new solutions to difficult problems. Together we are driven to transform the future and will not allow the fear of failure to prevent us from innovating. We voice our opinions, embrace change, and challenge each other to think creatively.
  • Be Inspired! We redefine boundaries by providing new solutions to difficult problems. Together we are driven to transform the future and will not allow the fear of failure to prevent us from innovating. We voice our opinions, embrace change, and challenge each other to think creatively.
  • Be Real! We understand who we are, what we want to achieve, and what it takes to get there. We hold each other accountable through timely, candid, and well-intentioned feedback. Together we engage in honest communication and healthy debate that leads to success through true alignment.

Department Overview

The PRODUCT DELIVERY ACCELERATION (PDA) Department is responsible for the delivery of the R&D product pipeline from inception of new product targets through to testing of these products on farm in grower fields all in a massively compressed time to market.  We conduct a wide range of research activities, namely in the areas of vector design, crop transformation, molecular genotyping, and trait validation to name a few. These activities are aimed at developing new capabilities in crop research, the outcome of which is leveraged to create new product development opportunities.  We are establishing the most innovative testing network which spans Research & Development and on farm with Benson Hill growers where we design experiments, test & advance our latest products and corresponding business models for new value generation.  We are a diverse, energized, and highly experienced team of professionals with a proven track record of delivering novel outcomes that have transformed areas of the Ag Tech sector.  We are focused on designing for and delivering the scientific and analytical products and insight geared around the commercial objectives with the greatest value and impact.  We collaborate across a broad spectrum of internal Technology and Commercial teams along with key 3rd party partnerships to design and deliver on these outcomes.

Position Summary

We are actively seeking a RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I (RA I) CONTRACTOR to join our rapidly growing Genotyping Team. The RA I will be primarily responsible for DNA extraction, PCR, Sequencing and analysis of samples in a high-throughput Production laboratory.  The candidate will be accountable for meeting weekly production throughput and quality targets and maintaining equipment to ensure maximum productivity.  The successful candidate will thrive in a team environment and have the ability to follow established protocols explicitly.  The ability to work shifts is required.

You Will:

(Essential Duties and Responsibilities)

  • Execute DNA extractions, PCR, Sequencing and analysis using standardized protocols
  • Operate automated liquid handlers and systems to perform production activities
  • Perform autonomous maintenance and maintain a clean workspace to ensure optimal performance
  • Record results and metrics of daily work to track and report KPIs
  • Operate within a quality management system to ensure continuous improvement

You Have (Competencies and Qualifications):

Education / Experience

  • HS/GED +3 years’ experience or associate degree with 1 years’ experience or bachelor’s degree in Biology or other relevant degree
  • 1+ years relevant experience in manufacturing/production laboratory or fast-paced environment strongly preferred
  • Experience in working in an ISO or GLP-like laboratory preferred but not required
  • Experience with laboratory automation

Software/Skillset

  • Team player who gives support when able and asks for it when needed
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, agile workplace
  • Experience working with Excel, Smartsheet
  • Programming in R or Python is a plus

Other

  • Must be capable of working first shift hours from approximately 6am-2pm or 10am-6pm, Monday through Friday
  • Must be open to transition between shifts throughout the year with advanced notice

We have a Total Rewards Package at Benson Hill that consists of more than just your paycheck. Total Rewards at Benson Hill covers Pay (salary and bonus), Health (employer benefit contributions) and Wealth (investments). Some of the perks include:

  • A Collaborative Environment
  • A flexible PTO program with a focus on work/life balance
  • Competitive medical benefits and retirement savings plan
  • FREE Dental and Vision Coverage
  • Education reimbursement
  • PAID parental leave
  • And more….

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