Careers at the
Danforth Center

The Danforth Center is a diverse community of scientific leaders and administrators who are dedicated to delivering on our mission to improve the human condition through plant science.  We are committed to living our core values and providing a safe, encouraging, and supportive workplace where community members can thrive and grow.  The Danforth Center is recognized as a St. Louis Top Place to Work.

Who We Are

  • 396 community members from more than 20 countries
  • 100% dedication to improving the human condition through plant science
  • Mission: To improve the human condition through plant science. 
  • Vision: The Danforth Center seeks to feed the hungry and improve human health while preserving and renewing our environment. Through our endeavors, we will enhance the St. Louis region as a world center for plant science and innovation.
  • Values: Collaboration, Diversity and Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity and Respect, Environmental Sustainability, Stewardship

How We Care for Our Community

  • We offer competitive salary and a generous benefit program including medical, dental and vision and a qualified retirement plan with a generous employer contribution
  • We provide paid time off as an opportunity for individual vacation and sick leave and an opportunity for our community to collectively disconnect with generous holidays
  • We provide paid parental leave for both primary and secondary caregivers
  • We encourage healthy lifestyles by offering a comprehensive wellness program and resources, an onsite exercise facility, and free yoga
  • We provide weekly opportunities for our community to come together to collaborate, exchange ideas and support one another

Learn more about our benefits and culture in the section below.

I love my job because I get to do amazing science with great co-workers. We have all the resources we need, and a truly talented support staff.

Danforth Center Community Member 2023 Top Workplaces Survey

 

Position: Biochemist/Plant Scientist – Allen (USDA) Lab

Deadline:  April 12, 2024 at 3PM EST*

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and will be reviewed as received.

Description:  
A Biochemist/Plant Scientist position is available in the Allen USDA lab at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.  The position is available immediately. The incumbent will work within a team of scientists and engineers as part of a large Gates AG One-funded project, “Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency”, or RIPE in short, to explore improved photosynthesis in plants that have been augmented by colleagues.  Developing new approaches to screen lines more rapidly with isotopic tracers and mass spectrometry-based metabolite analysis, the incumbent will work to decipher the altered metabolism that results in improved plant growth and productivity. Applicants should enjoy thinking quantitatively, have an interest in metabolism and biochemistry, and possess strong written and oral communication skills with a MS/PhD in biochemistry, plant biology, agricultural, bio or chemical engineering, analytical chemistry or closely aligned fields. For this project, a background in plant metabolism, photosynthesis, and/or mass spectrometry with some knowledge of untargeted metabolomics and use of isotopes would be a plus; however importantly, the incumbent should be a dedicated, independent problem-solver and quick learner, who will be available to start very soon.

For more information, on the collaborative project and team see: Home | RIPE (illinois.edu)

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and conduct experiments metabolomics and isotopic labeling experiments to assess photosynthetic carbon assimilation, photorespiration and more generally, cellular metabolism
  • Use liquid chromatography linked to high resolution mass spectrometry to evaluate central and lipid metabolism and carbon partitioning
  • Develop novel methods for isotopic tracers to profile differences in metabolic operation
  • Generate testable hypotheses with sufficient controls to guide scientific research
  • Maintain precise records of research findings and the analysis of results
  • Write reports as required, communicate findings, and prepare manuscripts for publication
  • Mentor others and work collaboratively to enable goals
  • Present research at professional meetings
  • Other duties as assigned

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Goal oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment
  • Able to organize, multitask their time efficiently and work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and interactive research environment
  • Effective communication skills and ability to produce high-quality oral and written research products
  • Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Live important values shared by the Allen lab and the Danforth Center: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship

Qualifications:

  • MS or PhD in Biochemistry, or related discipline
  • Preference given to candidates with training and background in plant biochemistry, photosynthetic carbon assimilation and central metabolism and expertise in mass spectrometry

Submission:
The position will be located at the Danforth Center as part of the Allen USDA/Danforth lab and is provided through the DOE-ORISE program. To formally apply for the position, please follow this link: https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/USDA-ARS-MW-2024-0068

A complete application consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcripts (see the above link for more details on what is acceptable)
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
  • Two educational or professional recommendations

Additional questions can be addressed to Doug Allen via email at doug.allen@usda.gov.

Join our team

Danforth Center open positions are listed below. Please click on a job title to learn more and to apply.

Top Workplaces 2023 St. Louis Post-Dispatch BadgeThe Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is proudly an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Danforth Center are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It is our policy that the Danforth Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin and status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this web site, please contact People and Culture at 314.587.1033 for further assistance.

As part of the Danforth Center’s equal employment opportunity policy, we will take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders – click here to view the Danforth Center’s policy on affirmative action. A copy of the Danforth Center’s Affirmative Action Plan for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities is available for review in the People and Culture Department during regular business hours.

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