Job Announcement: Research Technician Sought to Develop Resistance Against Toxigenic Fungi in Corn
The Position
The 2Blades Group at the University of Minnesota, Saint Paul campus is seeking a motivated Research Technician (Researcher 1 or 2) to join our Corn Mycotoxin Mitigation Program. This program aims to develop durable genetic resistance to toxigenic fungi in corn — a major threat to crop yield, food safety, and grower’s incomes.
The successful candidate will contribute to our proprietary large-scale trait discovery platforms, which are designed to identify and characterize novel plant genes that enhance disease resistance. By joining our team, you will play a key role in advancing fundamental discoveries into practical solutions for reducing mycotoxin contamination in corn.
Background
2Blades is a unique, agbiotech, non-profit with leading expertise in plant science. We contribute to the global innovation chain by advancing and delivering genetic resistance to the most critical unmanaged pests and diseases of major crops. We work together with the public and private sectors to reduce crop disease and yield loss, improve farmers’ productivity and incomes, and achieve more sustainable agriculture. Our mission is to benefit farmers, and to date we have demonstrated resistance to some of the worst pathogens of wheat, soy, potato, tomato, and citrus.
Candidate profile
We are seeking a Researcher/Technician 1 or 2 to support projects on plant–fungal interactions, with a focus on hemibiotrophic pathogens. The successful candidate will plan, conduct, and analyze experiments, contribute to smooth day-to-day lab operations, and collaborate with team members to advance our research goals.
Key Responsibilities
• Design, perform, and analyze molecular biology and plant pathology experiments.
• Conduct pathogenicity assays with fungal pathogens.
• Support laboratory operations, including reagent purchases, stock management, and plant growth coordination.
• Contribute to maintaining a collaborative, well-organized laboratory environment.
• Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to research reports and publications.
Essential Qualifications
•BSc in biochemistry, plant pathology, molecular biology, or related field. • Minimum of one year research experience in academia or industry.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (DNA purification, PCR). • Experience with fungal pathogens and plant infection assays.
• Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience coordinating laboratory resources and supporting team projects.
Desirable Experience
• Experience with plant transformation, protein purification, or cloning will be an advantage.
Compensation & Benefits
We offer a highly competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, along with a supportive research environment and opportunities for professional development.
This is a full-time laboratory position based in St. Paul, Minnesota, within the 2Blades Group, hosted at the University of Minnesota (UMN) Twin Cities campus. UMN has a strong legacy of advancing scientific research with tangible impacts on agriculture. It offers an exceptional environment for studies in plant pathology, pathogen biology, agronomy, and plant genetics.
The university also provides access to cutting-edge resources, including expertise in mycotoxin impact on animals, supercomputing capabilities, economic modeling of crop disease, and strategies for mitigating invasive pests and diseases.
Located in a vibrant metropolitan area, the Twin Cities offer an outstanding quality of life. The campus is surrounded by miles of bike paths, scenic lakes, and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Students and staff enjoy easy access to state-of-the-art recreation and wellness facilities, with programs ranging from intramural sports to outdoor adventures and fitness classes.
Apply
Interested candidates should submit a one-page cover letter, and a one-page resume via email addressed to the Group Leader at 2BMN@2blades.org. No calls please. The position will remain open until filled.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.