Company: Upstream Biotechnology, Inc.

About Upstream Biotechnology, Inc.

Upstream Biotechnology, Inc. is developing genetic trait technologies for crop protection and resilience. Our platform focuses on programmable regulation of plant defense pathways to improve disease resistance while minimizing fitness costs.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate with hands-on experience in Nicotiana benthamiana transient expression to execute and optimize established transient assay workflows.

This role will focus on conducting transient assay to evaluate gene expression, regulatory elements, signaling pathways, and trait performance in crop-relevant systems. The successful candidate will be expected to independently perform established transient expression workflows and will have opportunities to contribute to assay optimization and development.

Key Responsibilities

Gene Expression & Trait Evaluation

● Execute established transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana.

● Measure and analyze reporter activity, gene expression, and downstream phenotypes.

● Conduct rapid construct screening and experiments to test biological hypotheses.

● Support optimization and development of transient assay methods as needed.

Molecular Biology & Experimental Execution

● Execute cloning and construct preparation workflows for expression testing.

● Perform molecular biology workflows including vector assembly, PCR, qPCR, and

transient expression reporter assays.

● Maintain high-quality experimental records and data analysis workflows.

● Troubleshoot experimental and technical issues and implement appropriate solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

● Work closely with research, transformation, and greenhouse teams to support translation of findings into stable systems.

● Support transition from transient assays to stable trait validation.

Required Qualifications

● Master’s in Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Biotechnology, or related field; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 3+ years of relevant post-baccalaureate research experience may substitute for the Master’s degree.

● Demonstrated hands-on experience independently executing Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression assays in N. benthamiana.

● Demonstrated proficiency in plant molecular biology techniques.

● Strong experimental execution, organization and troubleshooting skills.

● Ability to independently execute established protocols and manage multiple experiments in a fast-paced environment.

● Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

● Upstream Biotechnology, Inc. is unable to provide employment-based visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

● Hands-on experience with plant protoplast systems.

● Knowledge of RNA biology, translational regulation, or synthetic biology approaches.

● Familiarity with plant immune signaling or stress-response pathways.

● Prior experience in agricultural biotechnology or startup environment.

Physical Requirements

● Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

● Must be able to perform repeated bending, standing, and reaching.

● Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.

What We are Looking For

● Strong scientific curiosity and technical rigor.

● Ability to think and come to decisions quickly while maintaining high-quality data standards.

● Comfort working in an evolving startup environment.

● Collaborative mindset and strong communication skills.

Why Join Us

● Opportunity to build foundational assay platforms with direct product impact.

. ● Work on cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology in soybean and corn.

● High ownership and scientific influence in a growing startup.

● Exposure across molecular biology, greenhouse, and field validation workflows.

Upstream Biotechnology, Inc is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.