Laboratory Technician

Reporting to:

Senior Researcher Phytopathology (SEA)

Purpose

Support Routine Disease Testing & Research Trials execution in phytopathology lab, greenhouse/tunnel and open field. Manage the agronomy of trials of all crops and maintenance of Phytopathology GH/Tunnels. Supervise and manage the blue collar workers.

Geographical scope

Sauk, Perak, Malaysia

Key Accountabilities

1. Support RDT & Research Trial Execution -
•Engage with the Phytopathology research team to execute the trial sowing and planting.
•Assist the researchers in phenotyping – inoculation, data recording, sampling, harvesting, seed packing, etc.
•Maintain and mass multiply the pathogen & insect cultures in co-ordination with researchers
•Assist in laboratory activities - pathogen culturing, ELISA, and PCR assay as per plan from researchers.

2. Manage the agronomy of phytopathology trials  
•Prepare agronomy activity plan from pre-sowing operations till trial conclusion for each trial in advance and execute it timely.
•Keep a record of all intercultural operations, and disease and pest management activities in the tunnel and open field trials.
•Arrange for material resources required for crop agronomy in coordination with the facility management team and maintain inventory.

 3. Report any deviations/abnormalities in trial management to the research team and execute a mitigation plan.

Manage the blue-collar workers in Phytopathology.  
•Plan and coordinate the routine tasks for workers on weekdays and weekends. Monitor the execution closely and guide them as necessary.
•Provide hands-on training to the workers to ensure smooth implementation of agronomy and maintenance of pathogen cultus and trials.

4. Manage tasks and develop backup plan in absence of any worker and also during major tasks/activities in tunnels or open field.
•Enhance operational efficiency and quality in task execution of the workers and achieve the deliverables

Manage maintenance of Phytopathology phenotyping facilities 
•Manage the routine maintenance of phytopathology tunnels and open fields on trait evaluation farms.
•Keep all the agronomy related tools, equipment’s and accessories and other material resources in working conditions and do timely maintenance
•Co-ordinate with farm team and manage the Phyto sanitation of all facilities as per SOP.

Required certifications, knowledge and skills : Graduate/Postgraduate in agronomy/biotech/plant pathology background. Able to work in lab and tunnel/open field conditions.