Tissue Culture Facility Manager

Tissue Culture Facility Manager – Center for Innovation

LOCATION: Wasco, California

Sun World International is a California-based agriculture and technology firm engaged in fruit variety development, technology, intellectual property, and licensing. Its technology and IP pursuits include one of the world’s leading fruit breeding/genetics programs, a broad-based portfolio of plant patents and trademarks, and investments in agriculture technology start-ups benefiting our global licensees. Licensing consists of sharing new proprietary stone fruit and table grape varieties, and the IP they comprise, with like-minded fruit growers and marketers in more than 15 countries around the world. The Company prizes creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Its people strive for excellence by demonstrating leadership, passion, kindness, authenticity, courage, initiative, and curiosity.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

At the heart of Sun World’s business is a commitment to developing new fruit varieties that can be grown in a sustainable way and optimized for yield, flavor, and appearance. Research focuses on fast-moving technology and developing the next generation of fruit genetics to meet grower challenges and consumer expectations. The program is located at the Sun World Center for Innovation in Wasco, California -in the heart of San Joaquin Valley agriculture production. At Sun World you are part of a team that values passion, respect, and leadership to envision and create the future.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Tissue Culture Facility Manager is responsible for supervising the embryo/ovule culture operation, establishing Vitis and Prunus varieties in vitro, acclimating plant material, and conducting experiments in support of the variety development program. The position also includes the management of worldwide material distribution of new Vitis/Prunus varieties.

REPORTS TO: Director of Operations

WORKS WITH: Sun World’s Breeding, R&D, Licensing, and Operations teams

HOURS: Full time, 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday working occasional weekends as needed

COMPENSATION: Annual salary range $80,000-$140,000 plus Bonus up to 20%

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Manages the ovule/embryo Tissue Culture operations in support of the grape and stone fruit breeding programs

· Oversees the greenhouse acclimatization of Tissue Culture-derived seedlings

· Supervises laboratory and greenhouse personnel

· Establishes and maintains varieties in Tissue Culture for worldwide material distribution

· Trains and manages Tissue Culture personnel in aseptic culture and safety procedures

· Conducts yearly planning for plant material distribution to stakeholders

· Coordinates with federal and county agencies for timely certification of plant material for distribution or quarantine

· Identifies opportunities for process improvement, waste removal, and cost reduction

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in plant science, horticulture, or similar plant discipline

· 1-2 years Tissue Culture lab experience

· Greenhouse experience desired

· Fundamental chemistry and aseptic culture techniques

· Ability to work well in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily

· Highly self-motivated, flexible, and adaptable; able to be effective in a fast-paced environment

· Possess a technology and innovation mindset

· Excellent English communication (both oral and written)

· Able to communicate in Spanish

· Demonstrated ability to successfully prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced environment

· Ability to work on site in Wasco, CA 100% of the time

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The position is regularly required to sit, use hands-to-finger, handle controls, and talk and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, and stop. Employee must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus, as well as work with a computer monitor and in the field.

For more information or to apply for this opportunity, please send your resume to:

Byanka Gonzalez, bgonzalez@sun-world.com

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Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38.00 - $68.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Wasco, CA 93280: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person