Scientist Plant Physiology, PhD preferred or Master's with substantial experience.

Overview

We seek a hands-on scientist to study how proteins and other bioactive molecules enter plants, move through tissues, and reach their sites of action. You will combine plant physiology, microscopy, and quantitative assays to guide discovery and development.

Working with internal teams and contract research organizations (CROs), you will develop methods, coordinate experiments, and translate findings into research decisions. This is an in-office role based in our St. Louis, MO office. Email a cover letter and resume to Careers@quercusbio.com.

Responsibilities:

• Characterize molecular uptake, distribution, cellular entry, and transport in plants.
• Develop fluorescence and confocal microscopy workflows across biological scales.
• Build quantitative imaging methods with controls for surface binding, internalization, and artifacts.
• Assess how anatomy, development, environment, and formulation affect uptake and transport.
• Connect imaging results with molecular abundance, integrity, and physiological responses.
• Establish reproducible growth and experimental systems for model and crop species.
• Coordinate internal and CRO studies, protocols, samples, timelines, and data quality.
• Partner across protein science, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and computational research.
• Document experiments, communicate findings, and standardize successful methods.

Experience

• Protein localization, fluorescent tracers, live-cell imaging, or tissue preparation.
• Cuticle permeability, cell-wall or membrane biology, endocytosis, or vascular transport.
• Root physiology, nutrient uptake and allocation, or environmental responses.
• Protein detection, immunolocalization, or analytical quantification.
• Image analysis, automated phenotyping, ImageJ/Fiji, R, or Python.
• Custom experimental systems, equipment, or workflows.
• Research coordination with CROs, shared facilities, or external collaborators.

What you bring

• Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, or a master's with substantial research experience.
• Strong plant physiology foundation and interest in uptake, transport, or intracellular trafficking.
• Hands-on fluorescence or confocal microscopy and quantitative imaging experience.
• Demonstrated assay development, troubleshooting, and validation skills.
• Controlled-environment plant research experience.
• Sound experimental design, controls, statistics, and reproducibility practices.
• Independence, clear communication, and effective collaboration with internal and external teams.

Why join Quercus

Help solve a central challenge in agricultural biotechnology: getting promising molecules to the right place in a plant. Shape a growing research platform with scientific creativity, ownership, and direct impact on product development. We offer a competitive benefits package, including a monthly health allowance, PTO, a 401(k) with company match, and a significant equity opportunity

Pay: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person