Seed Health Laboratory Technician

We are seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join our seed health laboratory at CSP Labs (California Seed and Plant Lab, Inc.) at the entry level. The incumbent will be responsible for running dilution plating (culture-based) assays on vegetable seeds to detect bacterial plant pathogens. This is a full-time position with a 1-year term with the possibility of renewal.

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 50 people in its seed health, plant health, molecular biology, and genotyping laboratories. To learn more, visit csplabs.com, and learn more about working at CSP Labs here. 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

Perform dilution plating of seed wash on various semi-selective media

Prepare microbiological media and buffers

Examine dilution plates and identify suspects for confirmation

Conduct confirmatory tests on suspect bacterial colonies including: streak on differential media, biochemical tests, and pathogenicity tests in the greenhouse 

Sample intake, scheduling, and tracking according to established priorities and workflows

Liquid handling with pipettes: single channel micropipettes, repeaters, serological, etc.

Assist with data entry and test report preparation

Independently follow SOPs (standard operating procedures), verbal and written instructions to complete routine laboratory work, analysis, and research 

Ensure proper documentation is kept per our SOPs including documenting and communicating test deviations or issues

Operate various types of equipment such as micropipettes, grinders, centrifuges, autoclaves, pH meters, stir plates, laminar flow hoods, shakers, incubators, etc.

Maintain a clean and organized workspace

Basic lab chores (putting supplies away, autoclave materials, taking out trash & recycling, etc.) and general lab housekeeping (washing general glassware, general cleaning etc.)

Keep track of consumables inventory

Collaborate with teammates to share spaces/equipment and meet turnaround times

Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow relevant safety SOPs

Actively participate in the lab’s quality management system (QMS)

Help troubleshoot equipment and assay issues

Work for extended periods in the greenhouse

Handle pesticides, bleach and chemical reagents

Assist with other lab tasks or processes as needed

Requirements

Must be willing to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time

Able to pipette small volumes (100-1000 ul) accurately and repeatedly for extended periods of time

Strong attention to detail: labeling, documentation, and sample integrity

Ability to multitask and prioritize work based on deadlines/queue

Comfortable working in and with digital systems (LIMS, Google Sheets/Excel)

Professional communication and reliability in a team environment

Proactive listener/learner - asks questions to ensure clarity

Can be trained to carry out basic steps of routine protocols with little to no supervision

Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and lift to 40 lbs.

Be available M-F, 7:00 AM-3:30 PM

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.