CPDD Laboratory Assistant

CPD&D Laboratory Assistant
Assists technical personnel in general laboratory operations, maintaining laboratory facilities and equipment in accordance with Laboratory standards in order to help ensure the validity and integrity of experimental results.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong work ethic to join our collaborative team of four in a lab and greenhouse environment. This position requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with rotating responsibilities to ensure continued engagement. Aseptic technique experience is essential for this role. This is a one-year contract position with the potential for yearly extensions based on performance.

Key Responsibilities:
Media Preparation:

• Prepare media for research purposes
• Clean and rinse glassware and equipment.
• Sterilize equipment using an autoclave.
• Prepare tubes and bottles with specified solutions.
• Operate basic lab equipment.

Plant Material and Inoculum Handling:

• Conduct routine laboratory tasks and prepare test setups, including placing plants into trays, tagging them, and assisting with applications.
• Mark plants for mobility tests and breakdowns and move them onto carts for further handling.
• Assist with inoculating and harvesting stock.

Chemical Handling and Safety:

• Safely handle and apply chemicals including fungicides, and other research-related substances, following all safety protocols.
• Demonstrate the ability to properly wear and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a PAPRs (Powered Air-Purifying Respirators), to ensure safety during chemical handling and other hazardous tasks.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and disposal of chemicals in accordance with safety guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Housekeeping:

• Wash and move carts, cut flats into single pots.
• Bag and weigh plant material for disposal.
• Clean lab and greenhouse benches and floors.
• Empty and replace hazardous and non-hazardous waste containers.
• Scrub Growth and Dew Rooms.
• Stock labs and greenhouses with necessary supplies.

Educational Background:

• A background in Biology or Plant Pathology is preferred.
• 1-2 years of relevant experience can substitute for degree requirements.

Essential Skills and Traits:

• Knowledge of plant science is essential.
• Strong professional work ethic and highly motivated mindset.
• Proven ability to work effectively in both team settings and independently in a professional environment.
• Experience with the preparation, maintenance, and inoculation of fungal cultures in sterile conditions.
• Knowledge of safety protocols for handling fungal cultures to prevent contamination or exposure.
• Experience in preparing inoculum for plant material studies and other related tasks.
• Familiarity with harvesting and storing fungal cultures for experimental purposes.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work carefully in a lab environment.