US- Plant Health Technician (Entry)

Location: Chesterfield, MO, 63017

Duration: 06+ months

Note: Must be able to report by 8 am daily and by 7:30 am during peak production

Job Description: The Plant Health Team is looking to fill a role with a Plant Health Technician (entry) for producing high-volume and high-quality inoculum to support characterization Breeding's pipeline for plant disease traits. Selected candidates will be expected to work in a fast-paced production style environment, and If time permits, there may be chances to work on other projects to build different desired skill sets & network. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to any of the following: Manipulate and manage diverse collection of fungal & bacterial pathogens Molecular characterization & identification of microorganisms Documentation of microorganisms in online databases Develop and implement in planta and in vitro assays Quality assurance & quality control assessments Implement sterile techniques throughout the entire pipeline Prepare different substrates and growth mediums Infesting, drying, harvesting, & packaging inoculum while maintaining sterile technique Support in packaging and shipping procedures, while remaining compliant Plant, maintain, and inoculate plants as well as collect tissue samples Keep good data records and ensure proper labeling Disposal of regulated and non-regulated waste regularly in both lab and controlled environment spaces On occasion, traveling & working in field sites may be required Able to handle frequent shifting of duties Occasionally assist Scientist with tasks related to projects Continuous sterilization of machinery, materials, labs, greenhouses, & growth chambers needed for production

Requirements: Punctuality is a must (Must be able to report by 8 am daily and by 7:30 am during peak production)Experience in mycology and/or microbiology Experience in molecular biology techniques for biological & microorganisms Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point)Able to work in a fast-paced environment and with a dynamic team Trustworthy of working independently and within a team Understanding & adhering to good manufacturing processes is a must Maintaining sterile technique is a must Good attention to detail and capable of troubleshooting is a must Capable of following standard operating procedures and proper labeling Comfortable working in a growth chamber environment or field setting occasionally Comfortable working in a production environment for majority of the day Able to lift 50 lbs or greater on occasion Comfortable shaking bags of inoculum (4-5 lbs.) frequently during peak season Good verbal and written communication skills Comfortable with a variety of repetitive tasks Maintain and follow all health, safety and environmental procedures Maintain a clean work & lab space regularly BackgroundB.S., required -- M.S./Ph. D preferred. Background in microbiology or microorganism related experience required; background in agricultural sciences and/or plant pathology preferred