Laboratory Technician (Plant Pathalogy)

Job Description : Assists technical personnel in general laboratory operations, maintaining laboratory facilities and equipment in accordance with Laboratory standards in order to help ensure the validity and integrity of experimental results.

• We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong work ethic to join our collaborative team of four in a lab and greenhouse environment. This position requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with rotating responsibilities to ensure continued engagement. Aseptic technique experience is essential for this role. This is a one-year contract position with the potential for yearly extensions based on performance.

Key Responsibilities:
Media Preparation:
o Prepare media for research purposes
o Clean and rinse glassware and equipment.
o Sterilize equipment using an autoclave.
o Prepare tubes and bottles with specified solutions.
o Operate basic lab equipment.

Plant Material and Inoculum Handling:
o Conduct routine laboratory tasks and prepare test setups, including placing plants into trays, tagging them, and assisting with applications.
o Mark plants for mobility tests and breakdowns and move them onto carts for further handling.
o Assist with inoculating and harvesting stock.

Chemical Handling and Safety:
o Safely handle and apply chemicals including fungicides, and other research-related substances, following all safety protocols.
o Demonstrate the ability to properly wear and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a PAPRs (Powered Air-Purifying Respirators), to ensure safety during chemical handling and other hazardous tasks.
o Ensure proper storage, labeling, and disposal of chemicals in accordance with safety guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Housekeeping:
o Wash and move carts, cut flats into single pots.
o Bag and weigh plant material for disposal.
o Clean lab and greenhouse benches and floors.
o Empty and replace hazardous and non-hazardous waste containers.
o Scrub Growth and Dew Rooms.
o Stock labs and greenhouses with necessary supplies.

Educational Background:
o A background in Biology or Plant Pathology is preferred.
o 1-2 years of relevant experience can substitute for degree requirements.

Essential Skills and Traits:
o Knowledge of plant science is essential.
o Strong professional work ethic and highly motivated mindset.
o Proven ability to work effectively in both team settings and independently in a professional environment.
o Experience with the preparation, maintenance, and inoculation of fungal cultures in sterile conditions.
o Knowledge of safety protocols for handling fungal cultures to prevent contamination or exposure.
o Experience in preparing inoculum for plant material studies and other related tasks.
o Familiarity with harvesting and storing fungal cultures for experimental purposes.
o Strong attention to detail and the ability to work carefully in a lab environment.

Additional Information:

• This is not a temp-to-hire position; however, successful contractors may receive annual extensions.
• Weekly Schedule: 40 hours a week 2 hours on one Saturday/month

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $19.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Morning shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $20