Research Assistant

JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

The Research Assistant assist with preforming genotyping for a variety of crops, including but not limited to melon, watermelon, tomato and pepper. This position will perform laboratory protocols, assist with leaf sample collections, collect data and communicate test results.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the genotyping of vegetables using techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA extraction.
• Collect leaf sample form the field or greenhouse. Prepare and manage samples, reagents, and laboratory equipment.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notes to document experimental procedures, results, and observations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in the lab.
• Manage and track inventory for lab supplies and materials.
• Collaborate with other researchers and lab members to support ongoing research projects.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports and presentations.
• Ensuring operations are maintained in a safe and compliant condition, aligning with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assign.

JOB POSITION DIMENSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education Level and Focus:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, Genetics, Plant Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience: 2 years of related experience; previous laboratory experience in molecular biology, genetics, or plant breeding is highly preferred. Experience in PCR technique is also preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

Interpersonal and Communication: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and always maintaining them. The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person and to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Technical and Analytical:

Keeping track of record generated by other departments Efficiently conducting routine analysis and troubleshooting Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook. Knowledge, skills, abilities and others in molecular biology experiments (PCR, qPCR, electrophoresis...etc.). Basic Knowledge in statistics. Ability to learn and understand new technologies related to this job Ability to interpret data and make quick decisions. Experience with molecular techniques, such as PCR, DNA extraction, and electrophoresis.

Physical Demands:

Deal calmly and effectively in a seasonally demanding work environment. Working flexible hours or overtime on short notice may be required. Must be able to work in the office and fields/greenhouses under various ambient conditions, particularly reduced air-quality and in periods of high temperatures possible exceeding 100 degrees F. Must be physically fit to walk, bend, kneel, squat, bend your neck and lift up to 40 lbs.

Work Environment:

Office, outdoors, cages and greenhouse work with temperatures close to 100 degrees, walk on uneven surface and often be exposed to chemicals.