As ScreenSYS continues to grow, we are looking for a hands-on Research Assistant (f/m/d) to join our R&D team. You will work closely with experts in plant biology, data science, and laboratory automation to develop and run in vitro assays and regeneration workflows, with a strong emphasis on microscopy of living plant cells and data generation for automated pipelines.
You will report to the project lead.
Tasks
* Develop and perform plant cell isolation and culture assays (including protoplast and single-cell approaches)
* Establish, maintain, and optimise in vitro plant tissue cultures and regeneration protocols
* Apply in vitro technologies using single-cell and tissue culture methods, including genetic transformation where applicable
* Plan and execute experiments in automated or semi-automated environments, with a strong focus on live-cell microscopy
* Generate high-quality image data using conventional and digital microscopy and collaborate with data analysis colleagues
* Perform molecular analyses and reporter assays (for example RNA/DNA workflows, cloning support where relevant)
* Document, interpret, and communicate results internally and to external project partners
* Provide project updates and support planning using project management tools
* Support laboratory operations, safety, and ordering of project-specific supplies
Requirements
Essential qualifications and experience
* BTA/CTA/MTA/PTA certification, Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master of Science or higher (preferred) in plant sciences, plant cell and molecular biology, plant physiology, biotechnology, horticulture, agriculture, or a related field
* At least 2 years of relevant laboratory experience in a research assistant role or equivalent (more is an advantage)
* Strong practical skills in plant in vitro culture, ideally including protoplast or single-cell techniques, micropropagation, regeneration, and screening approaches
* Experience working with laboratory instrumentation in a structured workflow environment, such as:
* Conventional and digital microscopy
* Flow cytometry and/or microfluidics
* Liquid handling systems and automated screening pipelines
* Ability to plan and organise work effectively, both independently and within a team
* Comfortable working across multiple priorities and delivering results to timelines
* Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset in interdisciplinary teams
* Fluency in written and spoken English
Nice to have
Candidates with some of the following will be prioritised:
* Hands-on experience with single-cell techniques in monocot and dicot species
* Automated microscopy or high-content imaging experience
* Molecular cloning and RNA/DNA analysis experience
* Practical experience with liquid-handling robotics
* Experience with documentation systems and basic statistical analysis tools
* German language skills (written and spoken)
Benefits
What we offer
* A fixed-term contract (2 years) with an option to extend
* A dynamic R&D environment shaped by start-up pace and ownership
* An interdisciplinary, multinational, and collaborative team
* Competitive salary and annual performance bonus
ScreenSYS is a start-up founded in 2017, developing technologies that modernise plant breeding and agricultural biotechnology. We combine robotics, microscopic phenotyping, artificial intelligence, and automated experimental workflows to accelerate micropropagation, doubled haploid (DH) technology, and genome editing. We translate state-of-the-art research into products for the agricultural biotechnology and seed market, supporting more sustainable production of food, feed, and plant-derived materials.