Laboratory Technician

First Shift Laboratory Technician

The Laboratory Technician plays a key role within the Crop Transformation Systems group in Biotechnology and Trait Discovery Optimization. This position focuses on executing crop genome engineering experiments that support trait optimization and product development. The role involves conducting transformation and genome editing experiments following established protocols, accurately documenting experimental data in database systems, and contributing to continuous improvement of laboratory methods to enhance overall system performance.

Responsibilities

• Follow the direction of supervisors and team members to carry out crop transformation and genome editing experiments according to established protocols.
• Collect, organize, and document data from experiments in a complete, accurate, and timely manner using appropriate database systems.
• Participate in new technology development and process improvement studies in crop transformation, including planning experiments, testing hypotheses, making observations, and performing data collection and analysis.
• Adhere to all safety policies, protocols, and procedures to maintain a safe working environment for yourself and your colleagues.
• Support team activities such as explant preparation, equipment maintenance, media assessment and improvement, culture room maintenance, process optimization, and technical support.
• Conduct experiments and daily tasks with a respectful, collaborative, and positive team spirit.
• Provide clear summaries and reports of experimental results to supervisors and project stakeholders.
• Present results in internal meetings and, when needed, in external forums, using effective oral and written communication.
• Contribute to the custodianship and proper use of laboratory equipment to maintain a high-quality laboratory environment.
• Assist in continuous improvements of established methods to increase efficiency, reliability, and overall performance of the crop transformation system.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors or Associates degree in plant science, biological science, genetics, horticulture, biotechnology, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge and experience in general laboratory operations, including following procedures or instructions and carrying out experiments independently.
• Demonstrated ability to perform sampling and maintain detailed, accurate records of experimental procedures and data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for documenting work and presenting results.
• Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of experimental data and procedures.
• Willingness and ability to support a high-quality laboratory environment through careful custodianship of equipment.
• Strict adherence to laboratory safety practices and protocols.
• Ability to function both independently and as a respectful, collaborative team member.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Laboratory experience in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or biology.
• Plant tissue culture and transformation experience, preferred but not required.
• Experience with databases and/or Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Experience working in a biotechnology or plant science research environment.
• Comfort with hypothesis-driven experimental design and basic data analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple experiments and tasks.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $32.00/hr individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or…