Research Assistant - Breeding Optimization

Job Category:
Level 1

Requisition Number: RESEA
001354

Posted:
April 4, 2025

Employment Type:
Full-Time

Location:
Alvin HD Qtr, 1925 FM 2917, Alvin, TX 77511, USA

• Establishes projects in the greenhouse and field.
• Collect field notes, process data in the software application system.
• Harvest plots using machine and hand to maintain pure seed stocks.
• Process seed through appropriate drying and cleaning mechanisms.
• Sample preparation for grain quality lab and DNA marker lab.
• Manage and organize daily activities on specific projects for effective execution.
• Supervise seasonal crews ensuring proficient and effective teamwork.
• Follow company safety policies, protocols, and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Demonstrate aptitude and willingness to learn modern breeding techniques.
• Travel to off-site field locations as needed, including Puerto Rico.
• Communicate project progress and results to the research team.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Biological Science, Plant Breeding or related field.

• Highly motivated with strong self-management capabilities.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment and collaborate effectively.
• Ability to meet deadlines and make progress without direct supervision.
• Knowledge of plant growth and basic experimentation methods.
• Experience in greenhouse-based nursery management.
• Apply logical or scientific thinking to a variety of problems.
• Makes detailed observations, analyzes data, and interprets results.
• Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analysis.
• Investigates and develops new methods and technologies for project advancement.
• Must possess or obtain a Texas Department of Agriculture Pesticide License within the first six months of employment, and maintain it annually.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents; fluency in English with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to comprehend and apply principles of basic math and modern algebra.
• Ability to apply logical or scientific thinking to various problems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; skills in PRISM and molecular breeding software is a plus.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s license.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear, and occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions, extreme heat, and occasionally to wet or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Rice Tec, 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.