Lab Research Assistant

Working under the Grain Quality Lab Supervisor, the Research Assistant is expected to follow established SOPs, maintain safe laboratory practices, use required PPE, and contribute to equipment calibration, maintenance, and workflow reliability. Strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage repetitive benchwork are essential.

This role also contributes to process improvement by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across lab workflows. This is an onsite position requiring flexibility during peak workload periods, including possible overtime or weekend support.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Grain Quality Testing  

• In-line processing: Perform specialized tests: milling, grinding, weighing, chemical prep, chemical testing maintaining consistent data generation according to company standards;
• Equipment maintenance: Calibrations, and periodic maintenance of mechanical instruments and liquid handlers
• Lab Analysis: data entry: logging results, managing multi-interface documents, tracking samples movement in pipeline, LIMS knowledge.

DNA Lab Testing          

• Perform plant tissue DNA extractions, sample and assay array, PCR, and genotyping assay detection

Process Improvement             

• Suggest, test, validate and contribute to process improvement endeavors

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• B.S. in Biological or Chemical Sciences or High School diploma and 3+ years of laboratory experience

• Experience and knowledge in safe laboratory practices, including use of PPE, SDSs, and handling and disposal of laboratory waste.

• Ability to carry out testing Independently

• Strong computer skills; knowledge of Microsoft

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and follow-up on work assignments while maintaining accurate records.

• Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with interdepartmental personnel and leaders to maximize effectiveness

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships within and across teams and functions.

• Ability to explain, demonstrate, and provide hands-on training to junior lab staff on proper execution of SOP.

Work, Communication, and Interpersonal skills.

• • Strong team and communication skills.
  • Contributes to a positive and supportive working environment; communicates and offers.
  • Solutions regarding issues at the workplace.
  • Ability to draw sound conclusions based on a mixture of analysis and experience.
  • Seeks opportunities to assist others and the company; coordinates work with others to maximize effectiveness; has a sense of ownership and responsibility for the success of team goals.
  • Initiative to take unassigned tasks that are relevant to program success.
  • Open and willing to share information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This position will primarily consist of lab benchwork including highly repetitive tasks; needing to sit or stand for long periods of time; handling boxes of supplies; working with equipment requiring hearing protection and other PPE as needed.  This position is 100% onsite and will require overtime and weekend work during peak workloads

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to extreme heat (non-weather). The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

RiceTec, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.