Visiting Field Greenhouse Technician - RIPE

Visiting Field Greenhouse Technician - RIPE

1 day ago – be among the first 25 applicants.

Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) is an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign. Its mission is to advance life sciences research, engage the public, and foster bioeconomic development across Illinois. IGB researchers lead breakthroughs in food security, energy, health, technology, and environmental sustainability.

The incumbent provides technical support for the daily operation of the greenhouse and field trials. This position involves work at the greenhouse, laboratory, and field.

• Assist with plant care duties including watering, fertilizing, pesticide application, transplanting, sowing, harvesting, discarding, seed treating, and general maintenance of transformed and experimental material.
• Assist with setup, monitoring, scientific measurements, and teardown of field and greenhouse experiments.
• Assist with all greenhouse operations, including electric and water control system maintenance, cleaning (sweeping, vacuuming, power washing), supply acquisition and purchasing, inventory management, record keeping, pesticide storage, and proper disposal.
• Assist with growth chamber operations (ERML and Nematology) by coordinating space requests, plant care, cleaning, and routine maintenance.
• Conduct lab data collection and field trial measurements in collaboration with researchers.
• Dispose of transgenic material according to APHIS permitting requirements.
• Organize and store samples/collections efficiently and in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Maintain lab space, including janitorial duties (bathroom, trash, floors, lighting) and organize equipment and supplies.
• Supervise undergraduate and other hourly appointments.
• Perform other duties as assigned to assist with research and greenhouse operations in the RIPE High‑Throughput Phenotyping Facility.

B.S. in Plant Science, Agronomy, Agriculture or a related field.

Demonstrated experience providing technical support for greenhouse and field trials, including propagation and harvest of transformed material for seed collection, and previous experience conducting field measurements.

Prior greenhouse management experience and previous research experience in photosynthesis.

• Required or ability to acquire within two months:
  State of Illinois Restricted‑Use Pesticide Training and Certification.
• Required:
  
  Knowledge of the Federal Plant Pest Act and all associated permitting and disposal regulations, understanding of the mode of action of these chemical agents, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Preferred:
  Ability to work outdoors, stand, walk, kneel, and stoop for extended periods.

This is a 100% full‑time visiting academic professional position, appointed on a 12‑month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 1/18/2026. The salary range is $42,000 to $45,000 per year and is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is eligible for sponsorship (excluding new H1B petitions that would incur the $100,000 fee).

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 5, 2026
. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting or (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Applications not submitted through the above link will not be considered. For further information, contact Jana Lenz at janalenz or 217‑333‑2137.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid Time Off, and Tuition waivers.

The University of Illinois System is an equal‑opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. The following statements apply:
Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters for non‑discrimination statements and background‑check information. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request reasonable accommodations. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division at 217‑333‑0885 or via email at accessibility.

Requisition : 1034164

Job Category: Research