Senior Research Technician - Crop Protection Genetics

Senior Research Technician - Crop Protection Genetics

The Land Institute co-leads the global movement for perennial, diverse, regenerative grain agriculture at a scale that matches the enormity of the intertwined climate, water, and food security crises. An independent 501 (c) (3) non-profit founded in 1976, the organization seeks to reconcile the human economy with nature's economy, starting with food. The transdisciplinary team of scientists, together with global partners, are developing new perennial grain crops, like Kernza ©, and diverse cropping systems that function within nature's limits while researching the social transformation required for a just, perennial human future.

As a Senior Research Technician in Crop Protection Genetics, you will support and perform daily operations of your program to advance efforts to breed for disease resistance, identify and manage diseases in perennial grain crops. You will be someone who enjoys a wide variety of tasks and adapts to the seasonal flow of sample collection, processing, analysis, and planning. Your daily tasks will include things such as maintaining ongoing experiments by hand weeding, observing, harvesting, mowing, collecting regular samples in the field, installing and maintaining irrigation equipment and growth tunnels, researching a variety of field and lab-relevant topics, assisting with training and directing research assistants in the lab, and supporting the creation and analysis of projects.

You bring diligence and curiosity to the work needed to realize perennial grains in the landscape. You will manage various tasks, projects, and timelines simultaneously under the direction of your program lead, and use knowledge and skills in field and lab work to further the program's research goals independently and collaboratively.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Field/greenhouse/caterpillar tunnel:
  Plant, weed, collect data, rate disease, harvest, and process samples for field and greenhouse experiments. Maintain and assist with the design of field and greenhouse trials. Apply chemical controls for research and plot maintenance.
• Lab:
  Research, develop protocols, culture, identify, and inoculate plant pathogens, and make microscopic observations. Test mycotoxins in grain; conduct lab procedures such as DNA extraction, library prep, and occasionally PCR.
• Research:
  Co-design and implement research projects. Prepare samples & perform statistical analysis of project results. Develop and maintain detailed & organized inventories, accurate data collection, and project overviews, protocols. Maintain working equipment and order supplies.
• Travel:
  Operate trucks and tractors & trailers and coordinate with the Farm Senior Research Technician for repairs and maintenance. Travel to offsite locations for data and sample collection; organize offsite field management.
• Supervisory responsibilities:
  
  Direct and oversee the day-to-day tasks of research assistants in the lab for field and lab tasks, as well as assisting with any necessary training. Support, train, and assist in mentoring research assistants and graduate students.

Additional opportunities include:

• Periodically engage with visitors by leading guided tours and participating in community and scientific outreach or internal educational initiatives.
• Attend and present
  -author of scientific research publications.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in plant pathology, plant breeding, or genetics, or a Bachelor's degree with equivalent professional or research experience.
• Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Expertise in statistical analyses and programming languages such as R.
• Computer literacy: able to use word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Desire to join collaborations with scientists or other agricultural stakeholders.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions: sun, wind, heat, etc.
• Ability and willingness to provide training on basic tasks, supervise hourly workers, and create a supportive atmosphere.
• Desire to work independently, with minimum supervision. Possess a valid driver's license or be willing to obtain a license.

Location + Travel:
This in-person role is based in Salina, KS, and will require travel for events, meetings, and fieldwork. Primary travel will happen in the United States. Some limited remote work during the off-season is possible. Seasonal travel may be as much as 10% of the time.

Compensation + Benefits:
The Land Institute offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $57,000 - $71,000 annually. Remote-friendly work environment. Paid parental leave. Competitive, equitable compensation. 403(b) Retirement. 403(b) Employer contributions. Health Insurance. Dental Insurance. Vision Insurance. Employer-Provided Life Insurance. Flexible Spending Account. Dependent Care. Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance. Voluntary Life Insurance.

Accidental Insurance. Critical Illness Insurance.…