Location: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Company Introduction

Micropep is building a more sustainable agriculture for future generations. We develop natural crop protection solutions based on the incredible potential of micropeptides, small natural protein molecules that target and regulate plant genes and proteins. We are building the next generation of sustainable solutions for farmers who care about their crops and the future of our planet.

Micropep was founded in 2016 as a spin-off of "LRSV", a French plant research laboratory of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and the University of Toulouse, a center of excellence in AgriTech. To date, Micropep has raised nearly $60 million from leading European and American investors and began its expansion in the United States in 2022.

We are a team of roughly 50 accomplished and motivated people from different scientific, technical and business backgrounds. We are united by our desire to leave a positive impact on our planet. Together, we are revolutionizing crop protection with our proprietary micropeptide technology.

Background to the position

We are seeking an experienced Research Technician to join the US Phenotyping Team to contribute to the daily operations involved with running our greenhouse and lab and executing plant phenotyping experiments. You will be working in a dynamic startup environment committed to meeting important milestones and deadlines.

This is a permanent position reporting to the US phenotyping team lead in the biology department.

Key objectives of the role

Ensure high-quality execution and management of phenotyping experiments, including setup, maintenance, data collection, and reporting. Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient working environment in both the greenhouse and laboratory. Support the team with accurate and timely preparation, application, and analysis of experimental treatments.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Manage and prepare supplies needed for experiments including greenhouse and lab consumables.

Monitor plant health and apply basic principles of crop fertility, water demand, and integrated pest management.

Maintain a clean work environment in the lab and greenhouse, ensuring proper waste disposal.

Set up and maintain experiments, including plant propagation, execution of experimental designs, crop management, and irrigation management.

Prepare treatments in the lab, involving basic lab work such as labeling, pipetting, weighing, and dishwashing.

Apply treatments to plants in the greenhouse or using specialized equipment.

Participate in data collection (plant and environmental measurements) and conduct basic analyses (data formatting and processing).

Manage inventory and storage and supplies, seed, and chemicals in the lab.

Maintain an electronic laboratory notebook in accordance with current procedures.

Apply health and safety rules in the greenhouse and/or laboratory and participate in its day-to-day management.

Undergo training and certification to comply with safety and labor Laws.

Help welcome, onboard and train new employees.

Interaction with internal and external stakeholders

R&D Teams: align experiments with research goals and provide accurate data.

Team Lead: report progress and discuss improvements to experimental processes.

Greenhouse and Facility Managers: ensure seamless operations and maintenance of phenotyping environments.

Background & Competencies

Education: Bachelor's degree in agronomy, plant sciences, biology, or a related field.

Experience: 5 years in a similar role involving greenhouse and laboratory work.

Technical Skills

Understanding of crop management techniques, including pest control, irrigation, and fertility management.

Experienced pesticide applicator.

Proficiency in basic laboratory skills (pipetting, weighing, solution preparation).

Familiarity with greenhouse equipment and phenotyping tools.

Basic data analysis and formatting skills, using tools such as Excel or similar software.

Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records in electronic laboratory notebooks.

Familiarity with lab and greenhouse health and safety program, worker protection standards, and record keeping.

Managerial Skills

Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

Ability to stay focused under time constraints.

Effective communication skills for collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.

Be accountable to the team and your responsibilities.

Languages: Fluency in English; French language skills are a plus.

Personal Attributes

Attention to detail, precision in work, open mindedness and flexibility.

Strong understanding of the scientific method.

Good communicator.

Proactivity and problem-solving mindset.

Adaptability and resilience in dynamic work environments.

Bonus Skills

Expertise in weed science.

Knowledge of greenhouse and irrigation control systems.

Statistical analysis skills.

Health and safety officer skills and qualification.

Experience using Benchling.

Benefits

Health, dental and vision coverage

401K

20 days paid time off per year