Genetic Purity Technologist

Job Title : Genetic Purity Technologist

Incumbent : OPEN

Department : Research

Location : Woodland, CA

Reports To : Genetic Purity Lab Manager

Job Description

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team to apply cutting-edge tools and techniques in molecular biology, genetics, and genomics in routine seed business operations. Daily activities will include sample preparation, high-throughput DNA extractions, and work with various genotyping platforms and tools for routine marker testing and fingerprint analysis. You will be primarily responsible to assess genetic purity, variety identification, identifying mixtures or off-types, and determining hybrid purity, conduct ploidy testing, and utilize software and tools for data visualization, analysis, and reporting. Task also includes assisting the team on innovative research initiatives and implementation. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, cross-functional environment with an experienced team aiming to push the boundaries of genetic testing and molecular breeding. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and will enjoy working in a team setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities*:

• This position provides routine support for all activities in the lab and any new activities, as assigned by the lab manager. Conduct routine lab activities including sample test receiving and entry, sample preparation and specific sample testing steps, setting up marker tests for genotyping assays, and follow established protocols
• Works under the technical direction of the Genetic Purity Lab Coordinator, Marker Scientists and/or the Department Manager to accurately execute routine molecular markers and new protocols for Genetic Purity lab processes
• Operate a variety of scientific equipment used in high throughput DNA extraction and genotyping
• Responsible for routine DNA marker testing and ploidy testing and assisting in analysis and evaluation of results
• Quickly and accurately perform lab work in fast paced environment
• Responsible for lab organization and ensuring adequate stocks of lab reagents
• Under guidance of Genotyping Lab Coordinator, assist in training and technical supervision of technicians, trainees, temporary employees, and others in the lab
• Responsible for keeping accurate records of lab activities such as maintaining lab notebooks and documenting procedures
• Maintain chemical stock solutions and laboratory equipment, assist in the handling of hazardous waste, maintain lab cleanliness
• Assist in data entry, documentation, and reporting results.
• Present professionally and exercise sound judgement in all interactions
• Support continuous improvement lab culture in new protocol development, improving or changing existing procedures, molecular marker development, genotyping assays, breeding support, and the like
  
  

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Experience managing complex multi-step workflows with ability to organize and prioritize work in completing routine tests
• Two to four years of experience in a molecular marker lab
• Experience with high throughput methods in genotyping is a plus – for example the use of automated equipment in genotyping thousands to millions of DNA samples
• Exceptional lab skills and understanding of lab methods, concepts and practices
• Knowledge of biology, basic genetics and chemistry concepts and lab techniques required
• Knowledge of good lab practices
• Must be able to interact cooperatively with supervisors, lab personnel, and other research staff.
• Must have good computer skills, and the ability to learn and become adept with other programs
• Must be able to work independently or as part of a team
• Must be able to operate and understand laboratory equipment
• Must be able to learn additional appropriate technical and semi-technical skills
• Must have excellent spatial perception, mathematical aptitude, auditory discrimination, visual discrimination, dexterity, and mechanical aptitude
• Must have experience with and knowledge of standard molecular biology protocols.
• Ability to develop excellent laboratory skills in molecular biology, genetics, genotyping, and molecular breeding
• Ability to handle stress especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload
• Must be able to do accurate and detailed work under strict time constraints and deadlines, and able to adjust to seasonal surges in workload
• Ability to quickly adapt and be receptive to changing work demands, techniques, and/or approaches. Willingness to take on a wide variety of tasks and duties
  
  

Educational Requirements

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in plant science, biology, genetics, plant breeding, microbiology, or related field. Two or more years of relevant molecular genetics lab work experience is desired. Practical experience in high thruput workflows and/or genotyping preferred.
  
  

Experience And Background

• Experience working with crop breeding, molecular biology, and molecular markers/genotyping lab is required.
• Experience in an agricultural and/or commercial setting is desirable.
  
  

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Must be able to work with hazardous laboratory chemicals and other possible irritating substances
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment when necessary and/or required (Protective gloves, safety glasses & lab coat 60-80% of the time, and respirator on occasion)
• Must be able to stand, sit, and/or bend for long periods of time
• Must be willing to work overtime hours, including some weekends and holidays, as requested
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $24 - $29 per hour
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
• Company provided EAP
• Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.