Scientist Molecular Biology

Job description

A mutually rewarding experience.

Work. Realize your ambitions. And realize there’s more to being in business than just making a profit. That’s the Mars philosophy. And the opportunity we offer every one of our Associates. An opportunity to take what you do and make it mean more for you, for those around you and for the planet. What you get here is challenging, interesting work. You get the tools you need to do a great job and you get to have the best possible people on your side to help you do it. And at the same time as getting to find ways to do business better today than we did it yesterday and driving a great career, you also get to build a more enlightened business and drive sustainability.

Because it’s never just about a single person, a single project or a single brand. It’s about how you can grab everything that’s within your reach here and use it to pursue mutual, long-term gain. It’s about having ideas. And ideals. Being prepared to risk failure because the promise of success means we’ll all be a little better off. It’s that mix of integrity and ambition that makes Mars such a special place to work. And why working here is always about more than just a job.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN’S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

Scientist-Molecular Biology

As part of the Cocoa Genetics and Breeding team, the molecular biologist will identify the genes controlling the important traits of cacao and support the selection of these traits in the molecular breeding program across the applied Mars breeding sites.

The position is part of the Cocoa Genetics and Breeding team based in Davis, CA (DAV), and will also work with other partners including academic institutions and public and private entities where appropriate.

What are we looking for?

·  PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, or an equivalent field.
·  Training in plant molecular biology is highly desirable.
·  3+ years’ experience working in a biological research laboratory
·  Experience in writing proposals and scientific manuscripts
·  Technical knowledge related to molecular biology research and associated equipment, including working with DNA, RNA and proteins
·  Familiarity with bioinformatics approaches in genome analysis
·  Expert knowledge on functional genomics
·  Ability to function in a multidisciplinary team
·  Experience with innovating solutions for non-model or specialty crops desirable

What would be your key responsibilities?

·  Conduct research on molecular biology of cacao traits leading to the discovery and application of important genes in the breeding program.
·  Develop projects for gene discovery, expression, and function using molecular biology and associated tools with a focus on disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, and agronomic traits.
·  Contribute molecular biology expertise to the ongoing projects conducted by the cocoa genetics and breeding team and the larger Mars Plant Science team.
·  Work with the bioinformatics specialist in analyzing the structure and content of the genome of cacao and related species to facilitate gene discovery.

What can you expect from Mars?

·  Chance to work on global sustainability and development projects
·  An industry competitive salary
·  The opportunity to learn and develop, taking charge of your own career across Mars

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

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