Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician

This Laboratory Technician role supports the Controlled Environments Team at a research facility focused on advancing the future of agriculture. You will contribute to innovative work that addresses global food challenges by performing routine laboratory and greenhouse tasks such as tissue sampling, seeding, transplanting, data collection, and general greenhouse maintenance. The position requires a responsible, highly motivated individual who takes initiative, enjoys learning, and maintains a professional, clean, and safe work environment while meeting all compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Punch or cut and store small samples of plant tissue and deliver them for laboratory analysis while carefully maintaining the identity of thousands of samples at a time and ensuring proper storage conditions.
• Perform seeding and transplanting of plantlets into flats and pots with careful attention to assignment details and experimental requirements.
• Transfer plants between the greenhouse and workstations to support processing and experimental tasks.
• Assist with experiments by collecting data, maintaining accurate records, and supporting ongoing research activities.
• Provide daily greenhouse plant care for corn, soybean, wheat, and other crops, ensuring healthy growth and proper maintenance.
• Perform routine greenhouse sanitation tasks, including discarding regulated material, destroying waste, cleaning, and sanitizing rooms to maintain compliance and safety standards.
• Follow standard operating procedures and safety/ergonomics protocols to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Use basic computer applications and internal research software to enter, manage, and track data and experimental information.
• Collaborate with team members and work independently with minimal supervision to meet project timelines and quality expectations.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and strictly follow standard operating procedures and safety/ergonomics protocols.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to maintain accurate records and sample identity for large volumes of plant tissue samples.
• High degree of self-motivation and a positive attitude with the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Experience or comfort working in greenhouse or laboratory settings with tasks such as plant care, tissue sampling, seeding, and transplanting.
• Basic computer skills, preferably including familiarity with MS Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to learn and gain competency with internally developed research software for data collection and management.
• Physical ability to stand and sit for long periods of time and to lift up to 30 pounds as part of daily duties.
• Ability to tolerate repetitive work in a warm, humid greenhouse environment with pollen present year-round.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant physiology, molecular biology, biology, chemistry, or a related field is preferred.
• Three or more years of related experience in greenhouse, laboratory, horticulture, or agriculture roles, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience, is preferred.
• Experience or interest in horticulture, plant care, greenhouse operations, or agricultural research.
• Experience with greenhouse sanitation, regulated material handling, and compliance-focused environments.
• Demonstrated stable work history, showing reliability and commitment in previous roles.
• Interest in working in an innovative, technology-driven agricultural research environment focused on solving global food challenges.

Work Environment

This role is based at a research facility greenhouse environment in Johnston, Iowa. The schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. You will work in controlled environments that include warm and humid greenhouse conditions with pollen present year-round and will perform repetitive tasks such as plant care, tissue sampling, and data collection. The position involves regular standing and sitting for extended periods and lifting up to 30 pounds.

You will use basic computer systems, including MS Office and internally developed research software, as well as standard laboratory and greenhouse equipment. The work environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and compliance, with routine sanitation tasks such as cleaning, waste destruction, and room…