Scientist , Plant-Microbe Interactions

About Robigo

Robigo engineers biological alternatives to chemical pesticides that deliver unmatched performance while safeguarding people, pollinators, and the planet. We are passionate about building on nature’s foundation to engineer solutions that work for all.

The Plant-Microbe Interactions Scientist will support the development of high-throughput, quantitative in planta assays across diverse plant pathosystems. Collaborating closely with several teams in the organization, this individual will play a key role in managing the screening pipelines for engineered microbial strains. This role will be central to expanding Robigo’s product pipeline and establishing foundational assays that enable future innovation. It is an excellent opportunity for a motivated, adaptable scientist who is eager to perform high impact R&D within a fast-moving biotechnology startup.

Scientist I, Plant-Microbe Interactions

Head of Plant Sciences

5 days/week on-site at Robigo’s Cambridge facility

$,000 (commensurate with experience)

Stock Options

• 4% 401K Match
• Medical - 100% coverage via United Health
• Unlimited PTO within reason
• Holidays:
  All federal holidays + week between Xmas and New Years

• Independently design and execute in planta pathology assays across multiple crop pathosystems
• Drive cross-functional screening efforts that rapidly assess product feasibility and inform go/no-go decisions for early pipeline programs
• Perform microbiological work upstream of in planta assays, including liquid and solid state strain fermentation of microbial inocula
• Generate, review, and organize SOPs and experimental data within Robigo’s existing data management framework

• PhD or MS in plant biology, plant pathology, microbiology, agronomy, or a related life sciences field with 2-4 years relevant experience (academic or industry)

• Demonstrated ability to run assays independently while maintaining high data quality
• Experience in quantitative assessment of disease phenotypes (e.g., qPCR from plant samples, NDVI, high-throughput imaging, etc)
• Familiarity with microbial handling and aseptic technique, including culturing of plant pathogens and CFU plating for fungi and bacteria
• Hands‑on experience executing medium- to high-throughput in planta assays in soil and/or sterile substrate format with appropriate experimental design
• Capable of standing, sitting, bending, lifting (up to 50lbs), and squatting for extended periods in a laboratory, greenhouse, or growth chamber to conduct essential physical work

• Comfort working with multiple fungal and/or nematode plant pathosystems
• Proficiency in statistics or data visualization tools (e.g., R, Python, or similar)
• Experience with project management software and electronic data management software (e.g., Benchling)

• Ability to manage multiple independent, time-sensitive projects while prioritizing effectively
• Competence in project management and structured documentation practices
• Strong collaborative communication across disciplines and integrated, diverse project teams
• Capacity to adapt proactively, take ownership of assays, and contribute to scaling experimental methods over time
• Willingness to take new challenges head on!

• Apply on Linked In and submit your CV to careers.
• Please include a short description of why this position is interesting to you; no formal cover letter necessary.
• Please indicate your estimated availability to start. Robigo’s preferred start timeframe is Apr 13 - Apr 27, 2026.

Robigo, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, or any other characteristic protected by law.