Research Technician

Business Context

Plant Path is a new commercial agricultural company with breeding, agronomy, and field trials located in North Carolina. The company improves food crops to satisfy the needs of growers, processors, and consumers. Plant Path is a science and technology company built around stevia breeding and genetics through a history with the crop that dates to 2014. The company is now seeking to grow its technical team in Sanford, NC with outstanding individuals that will assist with flawless execution of greenhouse and field-based breeding and agronomic research activities.

Plant Path’s goal is to improve the lives of billions of people each year through its products, while making a significant contribution to improve the environment and save our planet. By bringing the best crop improvement science and technology forward, improved stevia will bring value in the new regions where it is grown and in the health benefits brought to the populace due to reduced sugar consumption. As an employer, Plant Path operates with the highest standards of ethics. If you come to work for us, you will be respected and valued for your individual skills and contributions and have a voice in the ultimate success of the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Work weekdays, 40 hours per week with a team of R&D scientists and other technicians. Overtime during periods of peak activity is required. Infrequent weekend and holiday work may be required.
• Plant, grow, monitor, pollinate, harvest, and collect data in field and greenhouse experiments.
• Assist with field and greenhouse maintenance, including but not limited to scouting, pest management, irrigation, environmental control, propagation, and inventory.
• Report phenotypic data collected to the breeding database, ensuring that the data meets the quality standards expected and is loaded in a timely fashion.
• Utilize barcoding and inventory software to track and store seed and plant samples.
• Maintain a supply inventory and request supply purchases as needed for research operations.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and promptly report challenges with breeding operations while proactively identifying potential solutions.
• Continuously propose options for improving efficiency and quality of breeding operations, including efficiencies in processes, techniques, and flow.
• Comply with local health, safety, and environment requirements, including but not limited to prevention, incident reporting, and remedial actions.
• Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for research operations.
• Adapt to changes in workflows to maintain overall productivity.

Qualifications and Skills

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, or equivalent work experience in a relevant field
• Applied research or agricultural experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in collecting data from plants and curating datasets for consistency and quality is preferred.
• Working knowledge of field production and/or greenhouse systems
• Attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate records
• Computer skills required; experience with tablets, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office is preferred.
• High level of integrity and work ethics
• Ability to complete solo tasks as well as collaborating with colleagues in a team environment
• Maintain a positive attitude, and drive for results in every situation.
• Ability to work effectively in a constantly changing and fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Compensation

• $18-22 per hour depending on experience and qualifications.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Healthcare and other benefits are available immediately upon reporting to work the first day.

Additional Information and Requirements

• Position is based in Sanford, NC.
• Must be able to perform physical work in all weather conditions.
• Must be comfortable working in NC heat during the summer months
• Must be comfortable with being on your feet for long periods of time
• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus but not required

Applications

If interested, contact marissa@plantpathco.com. Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. References may be required later in the hiring process. Plant Path reserves the right to require a background check, physical exam, and drug screen of post-offer candidates prior to confirming employment.

Plant Path is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, and veteran or disability status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Sanford, NC 27330 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Sanford, NC 27330: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person