Research Assistant - Breeding Optimization

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishes projects in the greenhouse and field.
• Collect field notes, process data in the software application system.
• Harvest Plots using machine and /hand to maintain pure seed stocks.
• Process seed through appropriate drying and cleaning mechanism.
• Sample preparation for grain quality lab and DNA marker lab.
• Manage and organize daily activities on specific projects for their effective execution.
• Supervise seasonal crews making sure that the task at hand is done proficiently, effectively and correctly working together as a team to accomplish the department’s tasks.
• Follow company safety policies, protocols, and procedures, and ensure a safe working environment for all team members.
• Demonstrated aptitude and willingness to learn and carry out diverse activities in modern breeding techniques.
• Travel to off-site field locations as needed, including Puerto Rico.
• Communicate project progress and results to research team.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Biological Science, Plant Breeding or related field.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Highly personal motivation and self-management capability.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment, both within the research setting. and across functions. Be able to collaborate well with co-workers, breeders and other scientists.
• Ability to take responsibility in meeting deadlines and making progress without direct supervision.
• Knowledge of plant growth and basic experimentation methods.
• Handling greenhouse-based nursery management.
• Apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Makes detailed observations, analyzes data, and interprets results
• Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analysis
• Investigates, creates, and develops new methods and technologies for project advancement
• Must possess or obtain a Texas Department of Agriculture Pesticide License within first six months of employment. Must maintain and renew license annually.

Competencies

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
• Language Ability:
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.  Fluency in English, excellent oral and written communication skills, and ability to communicate results to technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Math Ability:
  • Ability to comprehend and apply principles of basic math, and modern algebra.
• Reasoning Ability:
  • Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.  Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
• Computer Skills:
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual should have working knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Skills in other software package like PRISM and molecular breeding related program is a plus.
• Driving:
  • Ability to drive a motor vehicle, must possess a valid Driver’s license.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to extreme heat (non-weather). The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

RiceTec, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.