Laboratory Technician

Lab Technician

We are looking for a responsible and highly motivated worker to join the Insect Facility Team. Here, you will help us grow what's next. No matter what your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture - solving the world's food problems through innovative technology and putting people first. This exciting opportunity is available at our Johnston and Dallas Center, Iowa research facilities.

The position primarily involves assisting with insect-based research using both plant and diet-based systems, rearing insect colonies, and growing/maintaining various crops in a growth chamber setting. It is essential to maintain a professional, clean, and safe work environment while meeting all compliance standards. We seek candidates who take initiative, love to learn, work hard, and have a stable work history.

• Work with a team to execute insect and plant-based experiments.
• Collect and curate high-quality data under deadlines.
• Assist with all aspects of insect colony tasks, such as daily maintenance, diet preparation, egg collection, weekly production setup, insect staging, and sanitation.
• Work with plants and insects in a greenhouse, growth chamber, or field setting.
• Ensure that all materials necessary for rearing insect colonies and executing assays are prepared properly and on time.
• Conduct miscellaneous tasks such as cleaning, handling, packaging, and storing facility supplies, materials, and equipment.

• Experience in chemistry, laboratory, and biology.
• High school diploma/GED required. A Bachelor's degree in entomology, agriculture, horticulture, plant physiology, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and follow standard operating and safety/ergonomics protocols.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• High degree of self-motivation, positive attitude, and ability to work well independently as well as a team member with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer skills preferred, including MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to gain competency with internally-developed research software.

• Three or more years of related experience or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Must be able to stand and sit for long periods and lift up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to tolerate hours of repetitive work in a warm, humid growth chamber setting.

The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. The environment includes working in a greenhouse, growth chamber, or field setting with varying conditions. It is essential to maintain a clean and safe work environment while adhering to all compliance standards.

Job Type &

Location:

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

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/hr 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 Sick Leave)

Workplace Type:
This is a fully onsite position in Johnston, IA.

Final date to receive applications:
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 6, 2026.

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