US - Plant Health Technician; Entry

Chesterfield, MO, United States (On-site)

Contract (3 months)

Published 2 days ago

Advanced Excel

The Plant Health Team is looking to fill a role with a Plant Health Technician (entry) for producing high-volume and high-quality inoculum to support characterization of Bayer’s North American Breeding’s pipeline for plant disease traits. Selected candidates will be expected to work in a fast-paced production style environment, and If time permits, there may be chances to work on other projects to build different desired skill sets & network.

• Manipulate and manage diverse collection of fungal & bacterial pathogens
• Molecular characterization & identification of microorganisms
• Documentation of microorganisms in online databases
• Develop and implement in planta and in vitro assays
• Quality assurance & quality control assessments
• Implement sterile techniques throughout the entire pipeline
• Prepare different substrates and growth mediums
• Infesting, drying, harvesting, & packaging inoculum while maintaining sterile technique
• Support in packaging and shipping procedures, while remaining compliant
• Plant, maintain, and inoculate plants as well as collect tissue samples
• Keep good data records and ensure proper labeling
• Disposal of regulated and non-regulated waste regularly in both lab and controlled environment spaces
• On occasion, traveling & working in field sites may be required
• Able to handle frequent shifting of duties
• Occasionally assist Scientist with tasks related to projects
• Continuous sterilization of machinery, materials, labs, greenhouses, & growth chambers needed for production

• Punctuality is a must (Must be able to report by 8 am daily and by 7:30 am during peak production)
• Experience in mycology and/or microbiology
• Experience in molecular biology techniques for biological & microorganisms
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and with a dynamic team
• Trustworthy of working independently and within a team
• Understanding & adhering to good manufacturing processes is a must
• Maintaining sterile technique is a must
• Good attention to detail and capable of troubleshooting is a must
• Capable of following standard operating procedures and proper labeling
• Comfortable working in a growth chamber environment or field setting occasionally
• Comfortable working in a production environment for majority of the day
• Able to lift 50 lbs or greater on occasion
• Comfortable shaking bags of inoculum (4-5 lbs.) frequently during peak season
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Comfortable with a variety of repetitive tasks
• Maintain and follow all health, safety and environmental procedures
• Maintain a clean work & lab space regularly

B.S., required -- M.S./Ph.D preferred.

Background in microbiology or microorganism related experience required; background in agricultural sciences and/or plant pathology preferred

safety goggles, lab coat, shoe covers, gloves, KN95 respirator

Lab, Greenhouse, Growth Chamber, Field Sites

If heights, how high?: 4-8 ft

If lifting, how many pounds?: 1-75 lbs.

Any chemicals?: bleach, ethanol, growth mediums, growth substrates, antibiotics