Research Technician

Description

About United Genetics

United Genetics was founded in 1990 with headquarters in Hollister, California. What began as a family-owned seed company grew into an international vegetable seed organization with subsidiaries in Italy, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, India, and Jordan.

United Genetics proudly offers top quality processing tomato, fresh market tomato, hot pepper, sweet pepper, watermelon, melon, squash, and cucumbers seed, among others. We focus on the needs of diverse customers along the vegetable supply chain, thinking of the grower by securing the versatility and robustness of the product performance, and the consumer, by focusing on the physical appeal, nutritional value and the taste of the outcome of our genetics. 

Benefits Summary:

We are proud to offer a well-rounded benefits package designed to support the physical, financial, and personal well-being of our employees. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. Vester and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). 401K with company matching, Life insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid holidays.   

JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

Research Technician provides technical support for molecular genetics and genotyping research activities within the vegetable breeding program. Responsibilities include processing plant samples, conducting DNA extraction and molecular marker assays, preparing materials for laboratory analyses, and collecting and maintaining experimental data. The Research Technician collaborates with research staff to support genetic purity testing, marker-assisted selection (MAS), and related research projects. This position plays an important role in ensuring data quality, laboratory efficiency, and the successful execution of breeding and research initiatives through adherence to scientific protocols and best laboratory practices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Process plant tissue samples from greenhouse, growth chamber, and field trials.

· Perform DNA extraction using manual and automated protocols.

· Quantify and assess DNA quality using spectrophotometers, fluorometers, and electrophoresis systems.

· Prepare DNA samples for genotyping assays including PCR, KASP, SNP, and sequencing-based platforms.

· Prepare reagents, buffers, consumables, and laboratory supplies.

· Execute molecular marker assays following established laboratory protocols.

· Ensure accurate sample handling and chain-of-custody throughout the genotyping process.

· Follow laboratory safety procedures and company policies.

· Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.

· Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality management systems.

· Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency and throughput.

Complete any other task related to genotyping and sampling 

Requirements

JOB POSITION DIMENSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education Level and Focus: 

Education and experience: preferred bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, Genetics, Plant Science, or related field (or equivalent experience). Or 1 year’s experience in a biology lab (Industry or academia), preferably a vegetable genotyping laboratory. 

Experience with PCR preferred but not necessary

Skills and Abilities:

Basic Knowledge of PCR, DNA extraction, electrophoresis.

Strong Attention to detail and data accuracy.

Ability to follow written procedures & laboratory protocols.

Strong organizational and communication skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

Interpersonal and Communication: The position requires organization skills and attention to detail. Providing information to department managers, supervisors, and co­ workers by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and always maintaining them. Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. 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:  

Analytical thinking to recognize problems and find solutions to apply the fundamental skills and working knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures necessary for fulfilling responsibilities. Ability to pay attention to detail. Basic knowledge of excel. Efficiently conducting routine analysis and trouble shooting. 

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: 

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

Special Equipment Used: Thermal cycler, capillary Electrophoresis system and real-time PCR system.