Innatrix Hiring - Nematologist
Posted on Oct 25, 2026
Innatrix is seeking a highly motivated scientist to lead R&D activities for the discovery and development of RNAi nematode-control leads. The role will identify gene targets in plant-parasitic nematodes, design RNAi approaches to silence those targets, and validate gene silencing and efficacy across multiple nematode species.
This bench-facing role calls for scientific vision, molecular biology skills, experience with plant-parasitic nematodes, and experience producing transgenic plants. You will work with the computational and AI team to turn predictions into testable experiments and use high-quality data to advance product development.
In a small, fast-moving startup, you will also share responsibility for day-to-day lab operations, represent the technical work in external meetings, and mentor new hires and interns. The ideal candidate works well independently and in collaboration.
Key responsibilities
- Establish and maintain plant-parasitic nematode cultures.
- Design and optimize molecular and bioassay workflows; establish and maintain SOPs.
- Produce dsRNAs from target genes using kits and quantify gene silencing in nematodes.
- Generate transgenic plants expressing RNAi constructs.
- Count nematodes in roots to measure the efficacy of gene silencing.
- Work with the computational and AI team on experiments that test in silico predictions and inform model development.
- Define and deliver product-development milestones and produce rigorous, well-documented data and reports.
- Represent the technical work in external collaboration and business meetings.
- Mentor and train new hires and interns, and contribute to lab maintenance and operations.
Requirements
- MS or PhD in molecular biology, plant pathology, plant-parasitic nematology, or a related field.
- Experience with RNA production, PCR, qPCR, and other fundamental biology techniques.
- Experience with plant and nematode bioassays.
- Experience producing transgenic plants, hairy roots, or composite plants.
- Experience developing and optimizing molecular and bioassay workflows.
- Track record of defining and delivering product-development milestones.
- Strong organization, self-motivation, communication, and data-reporting skills.
- Ability to establish and optimize SOPs.
Preferred
- Experience independently shaping scientific direction, research strategy, and experimental design.
- Experience with gene silencing, especially in nematodes.
- Familiarity with bioinformatics and AI workflows for collaboration with a computational team.
- Project management experience.
About Innatrix
Innatrix, Inc. is based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The company combines AI with an understanding of crop, pest, and pathogen biology to develop targeted biological pesticides. Innatrix has secured over $4 million in funding and holds two U.S. patents.
To apply, send your resume and a cover letter to Dr. Ted Kahn, Innatrix R&D Fellow, at ted.kahn@innatrix.com.