Gene Editing Lab Technician; 1st Shift

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Position: Gene Editing Lab Technician
Shift: 1st Shift (7am - 3pm)
Location: South San Francisco
Type: Full-time
Desired start date: ASAP

The Opportunity: Ohalo Genetics is seeking a motivated Gene Editing Lab Technician who will contribute to the advancement of plant variety development. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, enthusiastic about hands‑on work, and responsible. Prior experience in a sterile work environment, plant breeding or gene editing is a plus, but is not required. The Gene Editing Lab Technician will assist in specific duties to ensure the overall success of the gene editing laboratory.

This role will involve additional responsibilities related to lab operations, plant inventory maintenance, and process development. This role is not limited to only lab work, and offers opportunities to contribute to various aspects of our lab's growth.

• Protoplast Isolation, Transfection, and Culture:
  • Perform enzymatic digestion of plant tissues (e.g., leaf, root, or callus) to isolate viable protoplasts.
  • Transfect protoplasts using PEG‑mediated transfection or electroporation methods.
  • Culture transfected protoplasts to regenerate callus.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement and documentation of SOPs for protoplast workflows.
• Microscopy and Imaging:
  • Assess protoplast yield, viability, and cell health using fluorescence and confocal microscopy and viability dyes (e.g., FDA staining).
• Data Recording and Analysis:
  • Maintain accurate and detailed electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and batch records.
  • Compile and analyze experimental data using tools such as Image
    
    J, Graph Pad Prism, or Excel.
• Sample Preparation:
  • Prepare samples for downstream molecular analyses, including RNA extraction, protein extraction, and genomic DNA isolation.
• Cross‑Functional Support and
  
  Collaboration:
  
  
  • Collaborate with other Technicians, Research Associates, and Scientists on workflows, ensuring that critical processes are completed.
• Lab Maintenance and Compliance:
  • Follow safety protocols and institutional guidelines for working with plant tissue and enzymes.
  • Perform all tasks in a manner consistent with and in support of all company policies and practices related to safety and compliance.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to accurately follow verbal and written instructions and make suggestions to optimize methodologies.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time and perform repetitive motions.
• Proactive approach to routine tasks.
• Passion for learning and enthusiasm about plants and hands‑on work.
• Positive attitude and good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to ask clarifying questions.
• Work independently and in a team environment with multiple departments.
• Can lift up to 50 pounds intermittently and sit for extended periods.
• Prioritizes safety.

• Experience working in a lab, including sterile technique, micropropagation, media preparation, microscopy, and DNA extraction.

Compensation: $29.50/hr

About Ohalo Genetics: Ohalo accelerates evolution to unlock nature's potential. We use technology to transform agriculture, providing farmers new plant varieties with unparalleled yield, efficiency, and profitability while shrinking the land, water, and energy footprint of our crops.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position at this time.