Research Scientist—Plant Molecular Biology and DNA Engineering

Research Scientist—Plant Molecular Biology and DNA Engineering

Full Time

JR-10524

• 30% - Design genome-engineering constructs and plant transformation vectors for multiple concurrent research programs. Translate scientific objectives into fit-for-purpose molecular designs; select promoters, coding sequences, regulatory elements, selectable markers, guide RNAs, homology templates, DNA-excision components, and other genetic elements; and evaluate designs for sequence integrity, expression, assembly feasibility, and downstream transformation requirements.
• 25% - Assemble and sequence-verify recombinant DNA constructs using appropriate cloning, DNA assembly, bacterial transformation, plasmid preparation, and quality-control methods. Coordinate DNA synthesis and sequencing services, maintain construct inventories, and deliver verified plasmids or other DNA materials that meet established quality and scheduling requirements.
• 20% - Validate constructs and conduct molecular analyses using PCR, restriction analysis, gel electrophoresis, sequencing, quantitative or reverse-transcription PCR, and other molecular biology techniques. Analyze and interpret construct, sequence, expression, integration, editing, and DNA-excision data; document results; and recommend whether constructs or events should advance, be redesigned, or undergo additional testing.
• 15% - Manage concurrent construct-development workflows and improve platform performance by prioritizing experiments, tracking milestones, maintaining accurate electronic records, and ensuring construct and sample traceability. Troubleshoot design, cloning, sequencing, and validation failures; refine standard operating procedures; and implement workflow improvements that increase throughput, reproducibility, quality, and turnaround time.
• 10% - Communicate research findings and support collaborative scientific programs by preparing technical reports, data summaries, figures, presentations, standard operating procedures, scientific manuscripts, and sections of grant proposals. Coordinate construct requirements and delivery schedules with Plant Transformation and Tissue Culture, bioinformatics, greenhouse, phenotyping, and other program teams, and provide regular progress, risk, and performance updates to the Director.

UK07

Temporary Grant (TGP) Staff

A Ph.D. and relevant program experience.

Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations.

Not responsible for supervising employees.

No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

Walk or move about: % Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: % Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: % Recognize or inspect visually: % Extends hands or arms in any direction: %

None: %

Standard

Hours:

37.5

Expected Salary Range

70000 - 80000

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives, and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.

Clemson, SC

August 24, 2026

Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact hrjob with any questions or issues.

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.