Careers

Supervised by:    Director, Breeding

Status:                 Full-Time Position

Company Background

Founded in 2013, CoverCress, Inc. (“CCI”) is an innovative startup company delivering a new, climate-smart winter oilseed cash crop. Using plant breeding to improve yield and maturity combined with advanced gene-editing tools to improve the quality and composition of fiber and oil, CCI has converted field pennycress into CoverCress™. Farmers can grow a third cash crop in two seasons by incorporating CoverCress™ into their system as a winter crop between the standard corn/soybean rotation. Through a closed-loop commercial system, harvested CoverCress™ grain generates farm revenue from two markets – when used in its whole grain form, as a low-inclusion, high-quality protein feed ingredient for broiler chickens and when crushed as an ultra-low-carbon intensity oil for renewable fuel feedstock and a high-quality protein meal for animal feed. In addition to the new farm revenue as a third cash crop in two seasons, CoverCress™ provides the ecosystem benefits of a cover crop, including improved soil health and carbon sequestration.

CCI’s headquarters are located in the 39 North AgTech Innovation District in St. Louis, Missouri. 39 North is a 600-acre innovation district anchored by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, BRDG Park, the Helix Incubator, Bayer Crop Science, and the Yield Lab. CCI utilizes first-class lab space at the BRDG building and runs greenhouse operations at the prestigious Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Learn more at CoverCress.com.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Genomics Breeder to drive the implementation of predictive breeding in our program. CoverCress™ has developed our initial commercial products utilizing a classical breeding approach starting with a relatively narrow germplasm pool. These products are currently being evaluated on over 7000 demonstration acres in central Illinois and Missouri. We have developed a reliable regional field-testing system and genotyping capabilities. Our next step is to utilize genomics breeding technologies, genetic knowledge derived from the high synteny between field pennycress and Arabadopsis thaliana, and an expanded germplasm pool to drive product performance and profitability. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the establishment of a new crop!

The Genomics Breeder joins a strong scientific team focused on creating a predictive breeding platform. The breeder will lead the establishment of strategies for phenotyping, genotyping, training model development, and implementing predictive selection within the breeding program. The Breeder will play a hands-on role in data analysis and must have excellent analytical skills.  The ideal candidate will have the interest and skills to manage the front end of the breeding pipeline in the development of breeding populations, selection of high potential accessions, and broadening the breeding pool.  

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of genomics breeding in the CoverCress™ variety development program

• Conduct hands-on data analysis

• Actively engage in breeding program management on program design, germplasm diversity management, advancement, testing, and other strategic initiatives

• Collaborate extensively with Breeding, Genomics, and Agronomy teams to develop and implement strategies for technology adoption in breeding and trait integration programs

• Manage projects across greenhouse and field environments

• Support the discovery, development, and deployment of value-added traits in the CoverCress™ pipeline

Skills and Qualifications

Essential

• PhD in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, or related field or MS with 3+ years of relevant experience in a strong genomics-based breeding program

• Mastery of statistical applications in plant breeding and statistical genomics analysis method

Desired

• Variety development experience within an applied breeding program is preferred, but not required

• Experience with data collection strategies and tools

• Experience with analytical software, breeding program management software, and Microsoft Office applications

• Strong leadership potential

• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems

• Solid verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work in field and greenhouse environments

• Available for seasonal travel for field operations. Day trips from our St. Louis base comprise most of the travel but some overnight travel is necessary

• Must be able to lift at least 30lbs

Benefits

• Dental insurance

• Flexible schedule

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

CoverCress Inc. is a growing company with a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment with opportunities for growth and professional development.

Supervised by:    R&D Testing Lead

Status:                 Full-Time Position

Company Background

Founded in 2013, CoverCress, Inc. (“CCI”) is an innovative startup company delivering a new, climate-smart winter oilseed cash crop. Using plant breeding to improve yield and maturity combined with advanced gene-editing tools to improve the quality and composition of fiber and oil, CCI has converted field pennycress into CoverCress™. Farmers can grow a third cash crop in two seasons by incorporating CoverCress™ into their system as a winter crop between the standard corn/soybean rotation. Through a closed-loop commercial system, harvested CoverCress™ grain generates farm revenue from two markets – when used in its whole grain form, as a low-inclusion, high-quality protein feed ingredient for broiler chickens and when crushed as an ultra-low-carbon intensity oil for renewable fuel feedstock and a high-quality protein meal for animal feed. In addition to the new farm revenue as a third cash crop in two seasons, CoverCress™ provides the ecosystem benefits of a cover crop, including improved soil health and carbon sequestration. Learn more at www.CoverCress.com.

CCI’s headquarters are located in the 39 North AgTech Innovation District in St. Louis, Missouri.  39 North is a 600-acre innovation district anchored by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, BRDG Park, the Helix Incubator, Bayer Crop Science, and the Yield Lab.  CCI utilizes first-class lab space at the BRDG building and runs greenhouse operations at the prestigious Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. 
 

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for the field research associate position to join our fast-paced breeding and testing program. This position will be responsible for all facets of plot management, detailed note-taking, and seed handling. Working within a collaborative team, you will support all field activities, as well as the greenhouse and lab teams during certain periods.

Working closely with the product development and commercial teams, this is an incredible opportunity to gain a broad experience in an innovative and fast-paced environment, a chance to work with a highly motivated and professional team, and to be part of introducing a new crop into US agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support to the breeding and agronomy teams with planting, harvesting, and maintaining yield testing locations and greenhouse trials. This will include travel to research locations across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana

• Work collaboratively with product development and commercial teams to achieve the continuous improvement of CoverCress variety and closed loop cropping system performance. This may involve data collection, sample collection and processing, implementing experiments, data management, and coordinating activities across functional teams

• Implement research protocols for breeding and agronomic testing

• Supervise and hire seasonal labor to support research and field-testing efforts 

• Conduct all activities with health and safety as a main priority

Skills & Qualifications

Essential

• An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the field of agronomy, plant science, horticulture, agricultural economics, or a related field

• Ability to learn and operate field research equipment, such as plot combines and plot planters

• Ability to obtain a class A commercial driver’s license

• Experience with Microsoft Office tools 

• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs

Desired

• Ability to obtain and maintain a commercial pesticide applicators license and independently apply pesticide treatments to research fields

• Experience with data collection and data management

• Ability to obtain drone pilot license (Part 107 certification)

• Strong time management and organization skills 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Ability to work in a greenhouse environment

Benefits

• Dental insurance

• Flexible schedule

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

CoverCress Inc. is a growing company with a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment, with opportunities for growth and professional development.

Supervised by:    Business Administration Lead 

Status:                 Full-Time Position

Company Background

Founded in 2013, CoverCress, Inc. (“CCI”) is an innovative startup company delivering a new, climate-smart winter oilseed cash crop. Using plant breeding to improve yield and maturity combined with advanced gene-editing tools to improve the quality and composition of fiber and oil, CCI has converted field pennycress into CoverCress™. Farmers can grow a third cash crop in two seasons by incorporating CoverCress™ into their system as a winter crop between the standard corn/soybean rotation. Through a closed-loop commercial system, harvested CoverCress™ grain generates farm revenue from two markets – when used in its whole grain form, as a low-inclusion, high-quality protein feed ingredient for broiler chickens and when crushed as an ultra-low-carbon intensity oil for renewable fuel feedstock and a high-quality protein meal for animal feed. In addition to the new farm revenue as a third cash crop in two seasons, CoverCress™ provides the ecosystem benefits of a cover crop, including improved soil health and carbon sequestration.

CCI’s headquarters are located in the 39 North AgTech Innovation District in St. Louis, Missouri. 39 North is a 600-acre innovation district anchored by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, BRDG Park, the Helix Incubator, Bayer Crop Science, and the Yield Lab. CCI utilizes first-class lab space at the BRDG building and runs greenhouse operations at the prestigious Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Learn more at CoverCress.com.

Job Description

We are looking for an Accounting Manager to join our team. The position is full-time and located at our office in St. Louis, MO, near the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.  This role will be involved in leading efforts in monthly and year-end financials as well as assisting the Business Administration lead in a multitude of different endeavors. 

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the processing of accounts payable and receivable on an ongoing basis

• Manage and monitor all general ledger accounts, external accounts, and reporting systems while ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements 

• Monitor costs and organizational budgets against actual expenditures

• Report against financial and operating benchmarks, budgets, and reporting standards on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis

• Prepare a standardized reconciliation workbook monthly, while understanding and addressing any discrepancies that may arise

• Implement consistent accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs, upholding federal, state, and local legal standards by remaining knowledgeable about existing, new, and future policy

• Develop and enforce internal controls to maximize protection of company assets while providing adequate segregation of duties

• Perform periodic asset inventories

• Lead the performance of the annual external audit

Skills and Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field

• 2+ years of proven accounting experience

• Working knowledge of finance law and regulatory standards (GAAP)

Desired

• Strong working knowledge of detailed financial data analysis

• Payroll processing experience

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local tax compliance regulations and reporting

• CPA highly preferred

Benefits

• Dental insurance

• Flexible schedule

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

CoverCress Inc. is a growing company with a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment with opportunities for growth and professional development.