Plant Health Laboratory Technician
We are seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join our plant health laboratory at CSP Labs as an entry level lab technician for a 6- to 9-month term.
Company Profile
CSP Labs is a growth-oriented, full-service plant pathology and genotyping laboratory located in Pleasant Grove, CA. We are known for our rapid, high quality seed and plant testing services, and have a global customer base. The laboratory employs over 40 people in its seed health, plant health, molecular biology, and genotyping laboratories. To learn more please visit csplabs.com. We are conveniently located in the Greater Sacramento area, and are 20 minutes from Downtown Sacramento, 15 minutes from Sacramento International Airport, and 30 minutes from Davis, CA.
Responsibilities
- Independently follow SOPs, verbal and written instructions and established protocols to assist with the completion of routine laboratory work, analysis, and research
- Proper care and handling of seed, plant, and/or soil samples
- Prepare microbiological media and buffers
- Perform culture method for isolating plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria on general and semi-selective media
- Maintain fungal and bacterial cultures
- Prepare fungal, bacterial, and viral inoculum for pathogenicity test/resistance screening.
- Perform dilution plating on various semi-selective media
- Conduct confirmatory tests on suspect fungal, bacterial colonies including: streak on differential media, biochemical tests, and pathogenicity tests in the greenhouse
- Work for extended periods in the greenhouse
- Assist with data entry
- Properly track and handle seed, plant, and/or soil samples on paper and on a laboratory information management system (LIMS)
- Handle liquids with pipettes
- Operate various types of equipment such as micropipettes, grinders, centrifuges, autoclaves, pH meters, stir plates, laminar flow hoods, shakers, incubators, etc.
- Perform basic lab chores (autoclave materials/trash, etc.) and general lab housekeeping (wash glassware, clean and tidy work area, etc.)
- Keep track of consumables inventory
- Troubleshoot equipment issues
- Assist with other lab tasks or processes as needed
- Handle pesticides, bleach, and chemical reagents
Requirements
- Can be trained to carry out basic steps of routine protocols with no supervision
- Proactive listener/learner: asks questions to ensure clarity
- Possesses good mathematical skills (can count accurately, perform basic calculations, stock solution preparation, mathematical conversions and work out simple formulas and algebraic equations)
- Possess good understanding of basic chemistry and biology
- Proficient in computer use (Gmail, MSOffice)
- Fluent in verbal and written English
- Must be capable of acting effectively as part of a team
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, perform repetitive tasks, and lift up to 40 lbs.
- Bachelor of Science/Arts in a biology-related field
Equal Opportunity Employer
CSP Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.