Lab Assistant

Responsibilities

• Collect soy and wheat plant and tissue samples for DNA analysis in strict accordance with internal research protocols.
• Prepare, label, and handle samples accurately to ensure data integrity and traceability.
• Follow established research procedures and protocols consistently, maintaining high attention to detail.
• Maintain facility cleanliness by keeping workstations, laboratory areas, and equipment clean and organized.
• Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines while working in laboratory, greenhouse, and growth chamber environments.
• Perform seed chipping and related tasks as needed to support research activities.
• Work with plants growing in the chamber facility, including handling, inspecting, and preparing plant material.
• Meet established performance metrics and productivity goals for assigned tasks.
• Perform repetitive fine-motor tasks, such as using tweezers and other small tools, for extended periods.
• Lift, move, and carry materials and equipment as required, following safe handling practices.
• Work assigned weekend shifts on a rotating basis and support work on company holidays as needed.
• Collaborate with team members and follow direction from supervisors to complete daily and seasonal workloads.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support ongoing research and facility operations.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma.
• Science background through education and/or experience.
• Experience following established research protocols and procedures with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and growth chamber environments.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks requiring gripping, squeezing, bending, reaching, standing, and sitting for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Willingness to work assigned weekend shifts on a rotational basis.
• Willingness to work on company holidays as needed.
• Strong focus on safety, cleanliness, and adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Ability to meet established performance metrics and productivity targets.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher, preferably in a scientific or related field.
• Prior laboratory experience, particularly in plant, seed, or agricultural research settings.
• Experience with seed chipping processes.
• Experience working in greenhouse or controlled growth chamber environments.
• Comfort using tools such as tweezers and other fine-motor instruments for repetitive tasks.
• Ability to work effectively in a structured, protocol-driven research environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to seasonal workload changes and varying task assignments.