Lab Research Assistant

About the role

Working under the Grain Quality Lab Supervisor, the Research Assistant is expected to follow established SOPs, maintain safe laboratory practices, use required PPE, and contribute to equipment calibration, maintenance, and workflow reliability. Strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage repetitive benchwork are essential. This role also contributes to process improvement by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across lab workflows. This is an onsite position requiring flexibility during peak workload periods, including possible overtime or weekend support.

Responsibilities

• Perform specialized grain quality tests: milling, grinding, weighing, chemical preparation, chemical testing while maintaining consistent data generation per company standards.
• Equipment maintenance: calibrations and periodic maintenance of mechanical instruments and liquid handlers.
• Lab analysis and data entry: logging results, managing multi-interface documents, tracking sample movement in pipeline, LIMS knowledge.
• DNA lab testing: perform plant tissue DNA extractions, sample and assay array, PCR, and genotyping assay detection.
• Process improvement: suggest, test, validate, and contribute to process improvement initiatives.

Physical demands: primarily lab benchwork with highly repetitive tasks; requires sitting or standing for long periods; handling boxes of supplies; working with equipment requiring hearing protection and other PPE as needed. The position is 100% onsite and may require overtime and weekend work during peak workloads. Work environment: typical laboratory setting with moderate noise level; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Biological or Chemical Sciences, or High School diploma plus 3+ years of laboratory experience.

Requirements

• Experience and knowledge of safe laboratory practices, including proper use of PPE, understanding of SDSs, and handling/disposal of laboratory waste.
• Ability to carry out testing independently.
• Strong computer skills; knowledge of Microsoft Office (or similar).

Skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize and follow-up on work assignments while maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with interdepartmental personnel and leaders to maximize effectiveness.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships within and across teams and functions.
• Ability to explain, demonstrate, and provide hands-on training to junior lab staff on proper execution of SOP.
• Contributes to a positive and supportive working environment; communicates and offers solutions regarding issues at the workplace.
• Ability to draw sound conclusions based on a mixture of analysis and experience.
• Seeks opportunities to assist others and the company; coordinates work with others to maximize effectiveness; has a sense of ownership and responsibility for the success of team goals.
• Initiative to take unassigned tasks that are relevant to program success.
• Open and willing to share information.