Plant Tissue Culture and Transformation - Associate Scientist

Summary

This role supports the effort for improving the agronomic performance of potato and other crops through biotechnology. Candidate has a good level of techniques, efficiency and displays technical ability in laboratory methods. Works in conjunction with the Transformation team to set up and carry out experiments. Troubleshoots, summarizes and reports results. Optimizes existing methods and rapidly adapts new methods. Involved in multiple projects simultaneously and has a good understanding of the theoretical basis of these and related projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports Scientists in plant cell/tissue culture research and experiments.
• Accomplishes short- and long-term experiments successfully. 
• Demonstrates a good level of technical efficiency in a variety of plant cell tissue culture methods such as media preparation, plant propagations, plant tissue transfer and collection.
• Carries out some experiments independently.
• Reports progress and presents results.
• Displays a positive attitude that supports overall scientific progress of the team displaying intermediate-level communication and organization skills.
• Interested in learning and applying new methods and insights, focusing on team success.
• Actively participating in meetings.
• Effectively discusses all activities on a regular basis with supervisor.
• Contributes to the optimization of existing methods and rapidly adapts new methods.
• Participate in carrying out routine lab functions including but not limited to, biohazards waste containment and removal, inventory, cleaning of lab equipment and supplies, preparing reagents, and collecting and disposing of transgenic tissues.
• Interpret, analyze and summarize experimental data.
• Adheres to safety practices & guidelines in the workplace.

Typical Education

Master’s degree (M.A. or M.S.) or equivalent

Relevant Experience

• 3+ years related experience and/or training
• Experience in woody plant tissue culture and transformation is beneficial

Required Certifications

Other Information

• Understanding and knowledge in a field of biology or biotechnology.
• Applies basic methodologies for conducting experiments.
• Implements process improvement to facilitate experimental efficiency.
• Proficient use of appropriate tools to document experiment results.
• Proven use of skills to perform assays and gather data.
• Progressive verbal and written communication skills.
• Accountable for meeting deadlines.
• Communicating technical issues and concerns.
• Experience working collaboratively and independently in support of team efforts.
• Capable in presenting experiment data and results.
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously and good organization skills.