Plant Pathology Research Technician - Gowan Company

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Planning and conducting experiments.
• Recording and analyzing data.
• Presenting results to senior/other research staff.
• Ensuring that quality standards are met.
• Developing original solutions to problems.
• Keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments
• Keep microbial cultures if needed (fungi and bacteria)
• Set-up and score in vitro and in vivo, plant pathogen, weed and nematode bioassays
• Prepare rearing medium for relevant plant pathogens, weed and nematodes
• Maintain the plant material required for laboratory and greenhouse research trials
• Optimize horticultural techniques including sowing, transplant, irrigation and fertilization of plants
• Participate in activity planning with the Phytopathology Laboratory Manager and other persons of the Biological Efficacy Assessment Team, when needed
• Execute day-to-day activities to raise, monitor and care for experimental units at laboratory, greenhouse and field level
• Prepare pathogen growth media, raise microbes, extract microbes and inoculate plants
• Clean and sanitize laboratory and greenhouse
• Maintain inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, etc., prepare solutions and reagents for use in laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely dispose of waste material.
• Collect, prepare, evaluate, and verify samples and supporting records
• Maintain program equipment and regular maintenance plan for the laboratory
• Digitally documentation of experimental observations and data for laboratory, greenhouse and field research trials
• Keep detailed records of experimental data using personal computers and software packages
• Prepare adequate reports and inform the Phytopathology Laboratory Manager and the corresponding persons in the Biological Efficacy Assessment Team on a regular basis.
• Archive information properly (including notebook keeping, shared spreadsheets, and any other relevant database)
• Preparation of land for planting in greenhouse and plant growth chamber
• Maintain field equipment
• Maintain and harvest research plots when needed
• Assisting Phytopathology Laboratory Manager in planting, maintenance and harvesting of research plots
• Mix and application of crop protection products in the research plots at Greenhouse and Field level

Required Education and Work Experience:

• A BS Degree in Agronomy with minor in Microbiology is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 4 to 5 years of combined experience in establishment of experiments at laboratory, greenhouse, and field level (experience in small-plot agricultural research) preferred.
• Experience in the management of microbial cultures, preparation of culture media and different microbiology methodologies and plant bioassay methods preferred.
• Management of aseptic techniques and handling of laboratory and field equipment, among others preferred.
• OR any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education as the above.
• Experience in implementing quality management systems in testing laboratories is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Results oriented and determined.
• Good observational and excellent analytical skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Scientific and numerical skills.
• Ability to work in an agricultural setting under demanding and varied environments (hot, humid, cold, dusty). throughout the year. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Should be able to work independently or in a team.
• Must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle.
• Flexibility / Able to occasionally work on weekends and holidays.
• Some computer experience in a business environment.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Logical and independent mind.
• Decisiveness.

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