Seed Health Laboratory Technician

CSP Labs is seeking self-motivated, detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join our seed health laboratory for a three to nine month temp-to-hire position. The incumbent will be responsible for greenhouse assays for the detection of plant pathogens.

Company Profile

CSP Labs is a growth-oriented, full-service plant pathology and genotyping laboratory located in Pleasant Grove, CA. We are known for our rapid, high quality seed and plant testing services, and have a global customer base. The laboratory employs over 40 people in its seed health, plant health, molecular biology, and genotyping laboratories. To learn more please visit csplabs.com. We are conveniently located in the Greater Sacramento area, and are 20 minutes from Downtown Sacramento, 15 minutes from Sacramento International Airport, and 30 minutes from Davis, CA.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily greenhouse monitoring, visual inspections and watering
• Assist in sample preparation (sample labeling, dividing, treating seeds with fungicides) and greenhouse preparation (trays, soil, dividers) and planting
• Assist in final greenhouse inspection for disease and germination rate
• Perform greenhouse cleaning and sanitization according to established SOPs
• Collect symptomatic tissue for further testing (immunoStrip ELISA, isolations, PCR submissions and confirmations via biochemical and pathogenicity tests)
• Work closely with senior greenhouse tech to accomplish routine tasks
• Independently follow SOPs (standard operating procedures), verbal and written instructions to complete routine greenhouse and laboratory work, analysis, and research
• Prepare microbiological media and buffers according to established recipes and SOPs
• Handle liquids with micropipettes
• Operate various types of equipment such as micropipettes, grinders, centrifuges, autoclaves, pH meters, stir plates, laminar flow hoods, shakers, incubators, etc.
• Perform basic lab chores (make buffers, autoclave materials/trash, etc.) and general lab housekeeping (wash glassware, clean and tidy work area, etc.)
• Keep track of consumables inventory
• Handle pesticides, bleach and chemical reagents
• Properly track and handle seed, plant, and/or soil samples on paper and on a laboratory information management system (LIMS)
• Basic computer tasks such as data entry, planting map preparation, scheduling, printing, etc.
• Regularly use a forklift to move testing material around the facility
• Assist with other lab tasks or processes as needed
  

Requirements

• Must be available M-F, 7:00 AM-3:30 PM, and every other Saturday for up to 4 hours
• Must be able to work in a greenhouse setting under high humidity and temperatures up to 95F for extended periods of time
• Must be willing to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time and lift up to 50 lbs
• Can be trained to use a forklift
• Can be trained to carry out basic steps of routine protocols with little to no supervision
• Proactive listener/learner - asks questions to ensure clarity
• Good organization and time management skills - can independently plan and complete multiple tasks on time
• Must be a team player and respectful to others
• Possesses good math skills (basic arithmetic and algebra)
• Proficient in computer use (Gmail, MS Office)
• Fluent in verbal and written English
• Bachelor of Science/Arts in a biology, chemistry or agriculture related field

We offer competitive pay and, if converted to full-time, vacation time, an employer sponsored 401(k) plan and health, dental, and vision insurance. Position will be open until filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CSP Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.