Research Technician

About Foray

Foray is protecting and restoring natural ecosystems with biomanufacturing. Plants touch every aspect of our lives. But today, global plant resources are in decline. Nearly 40% of species are on the verge of extinction and the planet has lost a third of its forests since the Industrial Revolution. To sustain life as we know it, we need to start engaging differently with our plant resources. At Foray, we’re building the tools and processes that will allow us to take less and regenerate more. We use natural plant cells, grown outside of the plant, as building blocks. With our biomanufacturing processes, we create harvest-free molecules, materials, and seed products. This versatile approach protects sensitive ecosystems from over-harvesting and addresses bottlenecks in native seed supply to enable scalable and timely restoration.

Company Culture

As scientists, engineers, and strategists, we’re excited to create and translate new technologies that address real-world problems. We seek out the unanswered questions and venture together to develop functional solutions for our planet in an atmosphere of camaraderie, empathy, and respect. We thrive on a growth mindset, recognizing that we’re never finished learning–and accordingly, we approach challenges with enthusiasm, scientific integrity, and an attitude of humble curiosity. We’re looking for teammates eager to grow with us on this journey.

About the Role

You’ll be a key contributor to a dynamic and fast-paced team. In this role, you will collaborate closely with Foray’s scientists and engineers to advance technology development and Foray’s cell culture library and biobank. This is a hands-on, lab-centered role. You will contribute daily to lab operations, culture maintenance and monitoring, protocol development, and product-focused experimentation.

Responsibilities

• Organize and manage the intake of explants for cell line development and maintain detailed records.

• Initiate, optimize, and sustain tree and non-tree cell lines in culture, ensuring the highest standards of care.

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support R&D initiatives by collecting, analyzing, and reporting data and allowing others to build on your work.

• Implement, and refine new assays, methods, and systems to enhance cell culture processes.

• Contribute to general lab operations and documentation.

• Adhere to laboratory safety standards and environmental health and safety measures.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biology, Cell Biology, Biological Engineering, Horticulture, or related field.

• 2+ yrs experience in hands-on plant or mammalian cell culture work in an academic or industry setting.

• Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong communication skills and proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Expertise in cell culture techniques, including microscopy and basic chemistry.

• Skilled in aseptic techniques, and use of a biosafety cabinet.

• Ability to adapt to evolving project goals and take on diverse responsibilities as needed.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and dedicated to maintaining high standards in research.

• A growth mindset, eager to continuously learn and improve processes.

Company culture and benefits

• Competitive salary and title commensurate with experience

• Meaningful equity compensation

• Generous PTO policy

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance

• 401(k) plan

• The opportunity to creatively engage in high-impact scientific research and development

• Unmatched potential for professional growth in a supportive environment

Foray deeply values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.