Research & Media Technician

Micro Paradox is seeking a detail-oriented Research Technician to support our laboratory and research operations. This role involves preparing and maintaining media for plant propagation, operating and servicing laboratory equipment, and assisting with quality control and research. Day-to-day responsibilities include lab chores, handling liquid chemicals and nutrient powders, and working plant material.

The ideal candidate will have some laboratory experience, either academically or professionally, and have some familiarity with - or be willing to learn about - plant anatomy. The candidate should also be a problem solver and mechanically minded, and able to troubleshoot equipment issues when needed. A background in natural sciences is preferred, but not required.

About Us

Micro Paradox is a tissue culture and micropropagation laboratory that provides clean nursery stock and young plants to commercial nurseries in the United States and abroad. Plants produced by Micro Paradox are disease-free, uniform, and true-to-type. We also provide related tissue culture services such as germplasm maintenance, virus eradication, embryo rescue, and other custom projects.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the position will include:

• Perform daily media machine startup
• Operate and maintain the media sterilizer, performing routine maintenance and coordinating service calls as needed
• Prepare small-scale batches for research projects using stock unit conversions
• Regularly use laboratory equipment such as pipettes, micropipettes, analytical balances, pH meters, and autoclaves
• Perform lab chores, such as cleaning glassware and changing laminar flow hood filters
• Be familiar with the crops in Micro Paradox’s catalog and their micropropagation techniques
• Monitor the effect different media formulations have on crop performance
• Accurately follow production procedures, including but not limited to plant handling procedures, completing required forms, and accurately reporting production data
• Prepare daily materials for propagation teams, such as  alcohol dip tubes and autoclaving paper plates
• Perform quality control and related environmental control tasks as needed
• Assist with packing plant materials as needed
• Keep work area organized and clean
• Adhere to established safety protocols
• Communicate effectively with supervisor and key stakeholders
• Related duties as assigned

Key Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; AA or BA in a natural science field is a plus, but not required
• Fluent in both written and spoken English
• Able to follow training and instructions
• Able to carry out routine work with minimal supervision
• Able to work with hands, stand, walk, sit, stoop, and bend for extended hours
• Able to climb on ladders as needed
• Able to lift and manipulate up to 50 lbs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Micro Paradox provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Salary : $18 - $19