Start Your Career with Us | Danforth Plant Science Center

Careers at the
Danforth Center

The Danforth Center is a diverse community of scientific leaders and administrators who are dedicated to delivering on our mission to improve the human condition through plant science. We are committed to living our core values and providing a safe, encouraging, and supportive workplace where community members can thrive and grow. The Danforth Center is recognized as a St. Louis Top Place to Work.

Browse Our Open Positions Here

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Who We Are

396 community members from more than 20 countries
100% dedication to improving the human condition through plant science
Mission: To improve the human condition through plant science.
Vision: The Danforth Center seeks to feed the hungry and improve human health while preserving and renewing our environment. Through our endeavors, we will enhance the St. Louis region as a world center for plant science and innovation.
Values: Collaboration, Diversity and Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity and Respect, Environmental Sustainability, Stewardship

How We Care for Our Community

We offer competitive salary and a generous benefit program including medical, dental and vision and a qualified retirement plan with a generous employer contribution
We provide paid time off as an opportunity for individual vacation and sick leave and an opportunity for our community to collectively disconnect with generous holidays
We provide paid parental leave for both primary and secondary caregivers
We encourage healthy lifestyles by offering a comprehensive wellness program and resources, an onsite exercise facility, and free yoga
We provide weekly opportunities for our community to come together to collaborate, exchange ideas and support one another

Learn more about our benefits and culture in the section below.

Generous Compensation Package

The Danforth Center offers a competitive and generous compensation, benefits, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave package.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Comprehensive benefit program including medical, dental and vision
Qualified retirement plan with a generous employer contribution with immediate vesting
Paid time off for individual use (vacation, sick and parental leave) in addition to paid time off for the community to collectively disconnect
Tuition reimbursement

Mission and Values Driven Culture with Global Impact

Working at the Danforth Center offers the opportunity to be part of an internationally diverse, mission-driven community making a global impact.

Collaborate with world renowned experts
Access to cutting-edge technology and resources that support innovation
Flexible work approach
Community resource and affinity groups including International Women in Science, LGBTQIA+, parenting, etc.
Innovation and creativity celebrated
Committed to workforce education and professional development
Dedicated administrative and operational support to provide help scientists maximize their time spent on the science
Financially sound, strong endowment

Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle

Engage in a Leading Agtech Innovation Ecosystem

Advance Your Career

The Danforth Center wants every community member to be equipped with the tools and support they need to grow and advance their professional career.

Cutting edge core facilities
140 acre Field Research Site
Weekly scientific seminars
Workshops and speaker series
Networking opportunities
Committee for Scientific Training and Mentoring (CSTM)
Entrepreneurial support via Danforth Technology Company and Innovation Team
Annual professional development conversations

I love my job because I get to do amazing science with great co-workers. We have all the resources we need, and a truly talented support staff.

Danforth Center Community Member 2023 Top Workplaces Survey

Join our team

Danforth Center open positions are listed below. Please click on a job title to learn more and to apply.

Positions at Partnering Organizations

UDSA & Allen Lab Position: Biochemist/Plant Scientist (Deadline July 19, 2024)

Position summary: A Biochemist/Plant Scientist position is available in the Allen USDA lab at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. The position is available immediately. The incumbent will work within a team of scientists and engineers as part of a large Gates AG One-funded project, “Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency”, or RIPE in short, to explore improved photosynthesis in plants that have been augmented by colleagues. Developing new approaches to screen lines more rapidly with isotopic tracers and mass spectrometry-based metabolite analysis, the incumbent will work to decipher the altered metabolism that results in improved plant growth and productivity. Applicants should enjoy thinking quantitatively, have an interest in metabolism and biochemistry, and possess strong written and oral communication skills with a MS/PhD in biochemistry, plant biology, agricultural, bio or chemical engineering, analytical chemistry or closely aligned fields. For this project, a background in plant metabolism, photosynthesis, and/or mass spectrometry with some knowledge of untargeted metabolomics and use of isotopes would be a plus; however importantly, the incumbent should be a dedicated, independent problem-solver and quick learner, who will be available to start very soon.

Qualifications: MS or PhD in Biochemistry, or related discipline; Preference given to candidates with training and background in plant biochemistry, photosynthetic carbon assimilation and central metabolism and expertise in mass spectrometry

Submission: The position will be located at the Danforth Center as part of the Allen USDA/Danforth lab and is provided through the DOE-ORISE program. To formally apply for the position, please follow this link: https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/USDA-ARS-MW-2024-0068A

Additional questions can be addressed to Doug Allen via email at doug.allen@usda.gov.

Troubleshooting

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is proudly an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Danforth Center are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It is our policy that the Danforth Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin and status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this web site, please contact People and Culture at 314.587.1033 for further assistance.

As part of the Danforth Center’s equal employment opportunity policy, we will take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders – click here to view the Danforth Center’s policy on affirmative action. A copy of the Danforth Center’s Affirmative Action Plan for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities is available for review in the People and Culture Department during regular business hours.