Gowan Company is looking for a research technician with emphasis in Phytopathology and with a strong background in screening techniques for crop protection products (Conventional and Biorationals), under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. The ideal individual has worked in a laboratory or a greenhouse / field screening multiple products for their efficacy. Experience in implementing quality management systems in testing laboratories is highly desirable. This position will report to the Phytopathology Laboratory Manager and will serve as support to the rest of the Biological Efficacy Assessment Team.
The position provides support for the Laboratory, Greenhouse and Field research and development program of the company at the 8th street Laboratory of Gowan Company at the facilities of the University of Arizona in Yuma.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Planning and conducting experiments.
- Recording and analyzing data.
- Presenting results to senior/other research staff.
- Ensuring that quality standards are met.
- Developing original solutions to problems.
- Keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments
- Keep microbial cultures if needed (fungi and bacteria)
- Set-up and score in vitro and in vivo, plant pathogen, weed and nematode bioassays
- Prepare rearing medium for relevant plant pathogens, weed and nematodes
- Maintain the plant material required for laboratory and greenhouse research trials
- Optimize horticultural techniques including sowing, transplant, irrigation and fertilization of plants
- Participate in activity planning with the Phytopathology Laboratory Manager and other persons of the Biological Efficacy Assessment Team, when needed
- Execute day-to-day activities to raise, monitor and care for experimental units at laboratory, greenhouse and field level
- Prepare pathogen growth media, raise microbes, extract microbes and inoculate plants
- Clean and sanitize laboratory and greenhouse
- Maintain inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, etc., prepare solutions and reagents for use in laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely dispose of waste material.
- Collect, prepare, evaluate, and verify samples and supporting records
- Maintain program equipment and regular maintenance plan for the laboratory
- Digitally documentation of experimental observations and data for laboratory, greenhouse and field research trials
- Keep detailed records of experimental data using personal computers and software packages
- Prepare adequate reports and inform the Phytopathology Laboratory Manager and the corresponding persons in the Biological Efficacy Assessment Team on a regular basis.
- Archive information properly (including notebook keeping, shared spreadsheets, and any other relevant database)
- Preparation of land for planting in greenhouse and plant growth chamber
- Maintain field equipment
- Maintain and harvest research plots when needed
- Assisting Phytopathology Laboratory Manager in planting, maintenance and harvesting of research plots
- Mix and application of crop protection products in the research plots at Greenhouse and Field level
Required Education and Work Experience:
- A BS Degree in Agronomy with minor in Microbiology is highly desirable.
- A minimum of 4 to 5 years of combined experience in establishment of experiments at laboratory, greenhouse, and field level (experience in small-plot agricultural research) preferred.
- Experience in the management of microbial cultures, preparation of culture media and different microbiology methodologies and plant bioassay methods preferred.
- Management of aseptic techniques and handling of laboratory and field equipment, among others preferred.
- OR any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education as the above.
- Experience in implementing quality management systems in testing laboratories is highly desirable.
Required Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
- Results oriented and determined.
- Good observational and excellent analytical skills.
- Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
- Scientific and numerical skills.
- Ability to work in an agricultural setting under demanding and varied environments (hot, humid, cold, dusty). throughout the year. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
- Should be able to work independently or in a team.
- Must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle.
- Flexibility / Able to occasionally work on weekends and holidays.
- Some computer experience in a business environment.
- Written and oral communication skills.
- Logical and independent mind.
- Decisiveness.
