The Research Associate I will play a vital role in advancing our fibroblast and stem cell gene editing production. This hands‑on position is ideal for a highly organized, detail‑oriented scientist with strong expertise in cell culture and sterile technique. The successful candidate will support the maintenance and gene editing of bovine cell lines, prepare critical reagents, and contribute to the development, optimization, and documentation of protocols that enable our growing commercial pipeline.  

This position reports to the Research Associate III and will be based in Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area (onsite collaboration required).  

RESPONSIBILITIES  

Experimental Execution & Commercial Pipeline Processing 

• Execute established workflows to evaluate bovine cell lines, perform gene editing, and assess cell viability for cloning in support of the gene‑edited animal production pipeline.  

• Design and conduct independent, small‑scale experiments to optimize existing processes and improve efficiency; share data, insights, and recommendations with the broader laboratory team. 

Cell Line Maintenance & Culture Operations 

• Carry out routine culture, passaging, and cryopreservation of bovine stem cell and fibroblast cell lines.  

• Prepare and quality‑check cell culture media, small molecules, and other critical reagents with precision, consistency, and adherence to laboratory standards. 

Data Management & Scientific Documentation 

• Accurately capture experimental results and maintain thorough, well‑organized laboratory documentation in accordance with internal policies.  

• Partner with senior scientists to learn and apply appropriate data analysis techniques to support experimental outcomes and continuous improvement efforts. 

Team Collaboration & Project Support 

• Collaborate closely with senior scientists and peers, contributing actively to team discussions, problem‑solving, and knowledge sharing.  

• Support multiple concurrent projects while effectively adapting to shifting priorities in a dynamic research environment.  

• Assist with research activities involving live animals (swine) for up to approximately 20% of the role. 

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in a life science–related field with a minimum of one year of relevant laboratory experience; a combined total of four or more years of education and work experience will also be considered. 

• Proficiency in biochemistry, protein analytical techniques, and molecular/cell biology including PCR, cloning, and related workflows.  

• Working knowledge of gene‑editing tools and methodologies.  

• Hands‑on experience with DNA, RNA, and protein isolation, purification, and quantitative analysis. 

• Hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture, including aseptic technique and routine maintenance.  

• Experience with cell‑sorting technologies and associated sample preparation.  

• Competence in preparing laboratory solutions, buffers, and reagents in accordance with established protocols. 

• Demonstrates exceptional documentation and organizational skills with the ability to maintain high accuracy and attention to detail.  Maintains complete and precise documentation using an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN).  

• Actively promotes a culture of health, safety, and regulatory compliance within the laboratory environment.  

• Demonstrates strong collaboration skills in a cross‑functional team setting, with clear and effective verbal and written communication. 

• Ability to work effectively under supervisory guidance, consistently executing assigned responsibilities, meeting defined objectives, and adhering to performance expectations. 

• Strict adherence to established procedures, protocols, and laboratory standards. 

• Participates in rotating weekend laboratory coverage as part of the team’s shared schedule.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands or arms, repetitive hand/wrist activities, and lift up to 40 pounds.  

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust to focus. 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, filing cabinets and fax machines. 

Trans Ova Genetics, a member of the URUS Group, provides industry-leading reproductive technologies and expertise to cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to understand their breeding goals and ultimately help clients advance and extend superior genetics. Trans Ova Genetics understands the process that will help multiply a herd’s genetic success. Reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed-semen, genetic preservation, and cloning are considered the reproductive “tools” available for breeders looking to achieve specific breeding and reproductive goals. Internationally recognized as a source of superior animal husbandry and reproductive expertise, Trans Ova Genetics offers an integrated system of regional centers, satellite stations, and on-farm application of reproductive technologies. 

Trans Ova's headquarters are in Sioux Center, Iowa, but we have many offices and satellite centers across the country. On-going research and applied science allow Trans Ova Genetics to develop and implement new technologies to help move the science of bovine genetic improvement forward. Trans Ova is dedicated to meeting the requirements of their customers and to continual improvement.