Tissue Culture Technical Specialist

Tissue Culture Technical Specialist

International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)

Location:

Lowell, OR (Fall Creek Nursery)

Fall Creek Nursery is creating a world with better blueberries through its friendly, collaborative team spread across the globe. This position is located in Lowell, OR.

The fall Creek Tissue Culture Technical Specialist will develop, implement, and continuously improve all technical aspects of tissue culture (TC) growing systems in a world‑class TC production system built on the highest quality plants. The role works closely with Tissue Culture Research to support Fall Creek and vendor production labs, as well as Clean Stock Labs across all genetics. The TC Technical Specialist often acts as liaison with external consultants, researchers, and special project teams.

This position is in a laboratory and office setting and requires domestic and international travel.

• Develop and maintain all standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the technical aspects of growing tissue culture plants at Fall Creek and vendor labs.
• Establish stock management requirements, healthy TC line and TC line replacement standards.
• Partner with TC Research Program, informing on TC network needs for developing research priorities, facilitating functional/regional research trials and incorporating results into SOPs and BMPs as warranted.
• Provide functional support for TC challenges in the system such as ad‑hoc problem resolution teams, site visits, directing support and collaboration with researchers and consultants, and connecting network resources.
• Provide and coordinate training on technical aspects of tissue culture plant production.
• Responsible for development and maintenance of best management practices for all labs in the TC ecosystem.
• Provide effective leadership and act as a liaison to connect lab communications and personnel for better interactions among labs.
• Support QA/QC system as subject matter expert with reference to SOPs and Lab BMPs.

• At least 3 years of experience in design or management of lab operations.
• Master’s degree in biology, microbiology, plant pathology or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of related experience working in a plant tissue culture lab, preferably with blueberries or a similar horticultural crop.
• Knowledge of tissue culture propagation methods and conventional plant propagation techniques.
• Experience in laboratory procedures and data analysis, including interpretation and presentation of data.
• Demonstrated project management experience – initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and completion.

We’re a US‑based company focused on blueberry genetics, plants, and grower support delivered to the world’s premier blueberry growers. From our humble beginnings in Lowell, Oregon more than 40 years ago, we now have wholly‑owned nurseries in Mexico, Peru, Spain, South Africa, Netherlands, Chile, China, and expanding nurseries in North Africa and Eastern Europe. We have built a global team of the finest breeders, researchers, propagators, and nursery professionals, grower support technicians, sales and customer service experts, and more.

Our mission is to serve growers and support the blueberry industry, helping to ensure growers maximize success through the best genetics and plants, technical know‑how and global market intelligence.

Fall Creek Farm & Nursery® offers a competitive salary and benefit package which includes health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, company‑paid life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan. This position requires an executed confidentiality and non‑solicitation agreement upon hire. Employment offers are contingent on meeting our drug testing, background, and reference check standards.

Applicants should apply via the following website:  The position will remain open until filled, but to ensure consideration.