Lab Research Assistant

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Lab Operations Process Work

• • Perform rice plant tissue DNA extractions, PCR, and genotyping detection.
  • Perform preliminary analysis on molecular data.
  • Monitor project and assay quality assurance and take corrective action when required.
  • Suggest, test, validate and implement process changes related to assay chemistry, sample preparation, DNA extraction, liquid-handling, and detection processes.
  • Assist in development of project goals.
  • Interface with internal lab clients for project advancement and issues.
  • Present project results to team members and project leaders.
  • Operate, maintain, and program automated liquid handlers and other laboratory equipment.
  • On-site work required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

General Lab Management

• • Perform and document required maintenance on a variety of laboratory equipment.
  • Provide technical expertise as needed or requested, including equipment and process troubleshooting and improvements.

Leadership & People Management

• • Serve as a knowledge resource for other team members inside and outside the lab.
  • Teach others to identify technical issues.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor, or master's degree in Life Sciences. BS or MS, in Biology, Genetics, or equivalent.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Laboratory Experience. At least 1-2 years of genotyping laboratory experience, DNA, RNA work, DNA extraction, PCR, DNA molecular markers, GLP, and/or related molecular biology lab practices.
• Strong computer skills. Knowledge of Microsoft operating systems and applications (Excel, Word, PPT, etc.)

Work, Communication, and Interpersonal skills.

• • Strong team and communication skills.
  • 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Benchwork including highly repetitive tasks; handle boxes of supplies; work with equipment requiring hearing protection and other PPE as needed. This position is 100% onsite.
• Laboratory Automation. Experience operating, maintaining, and programing automated liquid handlers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Expected to perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and physical requirements of this role with or without reasonable accommodation within the described work environment.
Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work and training locations may include office and warehouse environments. May also include dry, muddy, or flooded fields, and other outside environmental situations including extreme heat/cold, rainy, or sunny conditions.
RiceTec, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.