Job Description

The IVB Scientist will play a key role in advancing innovative approaches in cattle reproductive biology within our Innovation group. This position requires deep expertise in stem cell culture and embryology, supported by a strong foundation in developmental biology or regenerative medicine. The Scientist will lead experimental design, troubleshooting, and protocol development to drive stem cell–based advancements that directly enable next generation commercial breeding applications.

This position reports to the Chief Scientific Officer, Recombinetics (URUS Innovation Group) and will be based in Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area (onsite collaboration required) 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Stem Cell Line Development and Optimization

• Optimize, generate, and culture stem cell lines from various sources.

• Implement innovations to enhance quality control, consistency, and scalability of stem cell workflows.

Experimental Design, Troubleshooting, and Method Development

• Lead experimental design and execute studies to improve stem cell cloning applications.

• Troubleshoot technical challenges and develop/refine protocols to improve reproducibility and outcomes.

Differentiation and Organoid Modeling

• Develop and optimize protocols for cattle stem cell differentiation.

• Establish and maintain organoid models for experimental and developmental biology applications.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Analyze and interpret complex datasets, including sequencing and multiomics data.

• Summarize findings and communicate progress to internal teams with clarity and scientific rigor.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with genomics, data science, and reproductive biology teams to prioritize work streams and align project timelines.

• Contribute to interdisciplinary planning and decision-making.

Documentation and Quality Management

• Maintain meticulous experimental records, lab notebooks, and data logs.

• Develop and maintain SOPs, tracking systems, and documentation frameworks to ensure reliability and transferability of protocols.

Continuous Learning and Innovation

• Stay current with advances in embryology, stem cell technologies, and organoid culture.

• Integrate emerging methods and technologies into ongoing workflows where appropriate.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES

• Ph.D. in Developmental Biology, Reproductive Biology, Stem Cell Biology, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

• Strong scientific foundation and a track record of executing complex experiments with rigor.

• Proven expertise in stem cells, organoid cultures and/or stem cell differentiation.

• Experience in developmental biology or regenerative medicine is a plus.

• Strong understanding of reproductive and molecular biology.

• Experience with bioinformatics tools, databases, and analysis methods for genomic/proteomic data.

• Knowledge in probability, statistical modeling, and algorithm design.

• Experience with generation or analysis of large-scale OMIC datasets (e.g., bulk transcriptomics, epigenetics and single-cell multi-omics.

• Experience with immunofluorescence analysis, FACS sorting, microdissection, or micromanipulation is highly desirable.

• Analytical thinking to translate biological questions into computational problems (e.g., integrating multi-omics datasets to identify genotype-phenotype links).

• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments.

• Strong troubleshooting skills and data driven decision making.

• Experience mentoring or leading others with high scientific rigor.

• Excellent communication skills for interdisciplinary teamwork and reporting.

• Team oriented mindset with willingness to support hands on lab work.

• Adaptable, proactive, and eager to learn new tools in a fast paced environment.

Trans Ova Genetics, a member of the URUS Group, provides industry-leading reproductive technologies and expertise to cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to understand their breeding goals and ultimately help clients advance and extend superior genetics. Trans Ova Genetics understands the process that will help multiply a herd’s genetic success. Reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed-semen, genetic preservation, and cloning are considered the reproductive “tools” available for breeders looking to achieve specific breeding and reproductive goals. Internationally recognized as a source of superior animal husbandry and reproductive expertise, Trans Ova Genetics offers an integrated system of regional centers, satellite stations, and on-farm application of reproductive technologies.

Trans Ova's headquarters are in Sioux Center, Iowa, but we have many offices and satellite centers across the country. On-going research and applied science allow Trans Ova Genetics to develop and implement new technologies to help move the science of bovine genetic improvement forward. Trans Ova is dedicated to meeting the requirements of their customers and to continual improvement.

TOG has deep roots in the industry through its origin within the URUS family of companies. As a holding company with cooperative and private ownership, URUS is a family of businesses at the heart of the dairy and beef industry – Alta Genetics, GENEX, Genetics Australia, Leachman Cattle, Jetstream, PEAK, SCCL, Trans Ova Genetics and VAS. Each organization has its unique identity, products, and services. These companies work globally to provide cutting-edge dairy and beef genetics, customized reproductive services to maximize conceptions, dairy management information to take producers to the frontline of progressive dairy farming, and an array of products and services to help bovines reach their full genetic potential. URUS has 9 brands in 17 retail countries and employs nearly 2,800 people globally.