Research Associate - DNA Lab Operation

The associate also contributes to preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, supply readiness, and continuous improvement of laboratory systems, including automation platforms, liquid handlers, and PCR-based production processes. In addition, this role supports project setup, internal client communication, production metric review, and training activities. The ideal candidate brings strong DNA laboratory experience, excellent organization and record-keeping skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

Essential Duties

High-Throughput Plant Genotyping Production Systems Maintenance, Support and Process Innovation

• Coordinate, oversee and provide hands-on execution and adherence to preventive maintenance plans and activities
• Provide fault-reaction and problem solving to any instrument and system issues that may emerge and compromise production
• Contribute to advancing lab process and systems innovation initiatives, in coordination with production work, and in partnership with other team members and lab lead
• Contribute to managing supplies and other Lab critical elements, as established, to assure production stability and continuity

Genotyping and other production assignments

• Directly conduct any and all aspects of production genotyping work with other team members to attain target production volumes and due dates
• Provide technical support, training and/or oversight of work conducted by Assistants, Technicians and seasonal staff working in the lab.

Workload and Assignment Coordination

• Coordinate, schedule, monitor and adjust work schedules and activities, interfacing with other team members and team lead, to maximize productivity and meet group deadlines

Projects and Internal Client Interface

• Oversee project creation and advancement process, contribute to managing internal client relations, communications & training, in coordination with lab lead.
• Interpret key project and production metrics analytics to contribute to continual assessment

Education/Qualification

High-Throughput Genotyping Lab Experience

• 5+ years of demonstrated advanced DNA genotyping lab experience. Familiarity with endpoint DNA marker technologies, SNPs, and assay library management

Education

• B.S degree in Biological or related fields
• M.S. degree in Biological or related fields

People Leadership

• Demonstrated experience in leading, supervision, coaching or mentoring others in technical aspects and processes, such as lab production. Team leadership skill.

Lab Automation Systems

• Familiarity and demonstrated experience with advanced laboratory systems, liquid handlers, liquid handler scripting, laboratory LIMs systems and high-throughput PCR instrumentation. Strong technical skills; familiarity with basic pneumatic, electronic lab instrument systems.
• Strong computer, data management and analysis

Work, Communication, and Interpersonal skills

• Strong organizational and record keeping skills; effective verbal and written communication; excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills. Comfortable with multitasking; strong organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Other Requirements:

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work standing up, with high mobility, in a fast-paced laboratory environment. This position is 100% onsite and will require extended hours and weekend work during peak workloads.

Travel

• Possible sporadic international and/or regional travel.

Experience in Lab Automation

• Preferred Prior work experience with DNA laboratory automation

Languages Preferred Bilingual Spanish/English

Work Environment:

Expected to perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and physical requirements of this role with or without reasonable accommodation within the described work environment.

• Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking level and unleveled surfaces for periodic periods throughout the day including flooded rice fields. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. Must be able to lift 50-pound bag of seed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work and training locations may include office and warehouse environments.  May also include dry, muddy, or flooded fields, and other outside environmental situations including extreme heat/cold, rainy, or sunny conditions.

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.