Bioinformatics Jobs at UPL in the USA
Looking for Bioinformatics Jobs in the USA that combine wet-lab science with computational analysis? This exciting Research Scientist Bioinformatics role at Advanta Seeds, part of UPL Careers, offers a unique job opportunity for life science graduates ready to work at the intersection of molecular biology, genomics, and data-driven crop innovation. Based in Texas, this role supports global food security through cutting-edge research and development.
About Advanta
Advanta is a global seed business addressing increasing food insecurity and climate change by delivering innovative seed technologies and agronomic solutions. As part of the UPL Group, Advanta provides high-quality seeds and crop protection solutions across more than 80 countries under the brands Advanta, Alta, and Pacific Seeds.
With over 60 years of experience in plant genetics, Advanta holds a leadership position in tropical and subtropical crops including corn, sorghum, sunflower, canola, rice, and vegetables. The company is committed to advancing seed technologies that improve crop performance and farmer prosperity.
Job Details:
- Job Title: Research Scientist – Bioinformatics
- Job ID: 11847
- Location: College Station, Texas, United States
- Department: R&D
- Function: Research and Development
- Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
- Seniority Level: Mid–Senior Level
Role Overview
Advanta is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Scientist – Bioinformatics to join a dynamic, fast-growing, and diverse team within a high-throughput genotyping and molecular laboratory. The role supports the crop breeding program and is well suited for recent PhD graduates who enjoy hands-on laboratory work alongside applied bioinformatics.
The successful candidate will begin with a strong wet-lab focus, including assay design, troubleshooting, and optimization using KASP and TaqMan technologies, and will progressively expand responsibilities into bioinformatics and computational analysis to support large-scale marker design and validation.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and validate genome-wide and trait-associated molecular markers for Advanta’s core crops
- Develop, optimize, validate, and troubleshoot KASP and TaqMan molecular markers for high-throughput genotyping workflows
- Contribute to trait discovery projects, including marker–trait association studies and validation pipelines
- Perform bioinformatics analyses such as BLAST searches to support primer design, marker development, and gene annotation across multiple reference genomes
- Maintain and curate the molecular marker database
- Document experimental workflows, maintain accurate records, and present findings to internal and external stakeholders
- Support senior scientists with project coordination and laboratory operations
- Train temporary workers and laboratory technicians as required
- Ensure compliance with workplace safety protocols and proactively communicate laboratory or project-related issues
Required Qualifications for Bioinformatics Jobs
- PhD in Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Plant Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field (Candidates with hands-on wet-lab experience are strongly encouraged; bioinformatics-only profiles are not suitable)
- Strong expertise in molecular marker technologies, including KASP and TaqMan assay design
- Foundational bioinformatics skills, including BLAST, sequence alignment tools, genome browsers, and command-line usage
- Proficiency in R, Python, or similar programming languages; familiarity with SQL and relational databases
- Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, next-generation sequencing, and standard molecular biology techniques
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative working style
- Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment
- Legal authorization to work in the United States (employment sponsorship is not available for this role)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in trait discovery or molecular breeding
- Familiarity with high-throughput genotyping workflows
- Exposure to next-generation sequencing technologies and their application in marker development or variant discovery
