Greenhouse Associate

About the role.... 

The Research Associate will work in a controlled environment facility and cooperatively manage the advanced generation seed production of gene edited events across crops (soybean, wheat and corn). This position desires a dynamic, self-motivated individual to join our fast-growing and collaborative team of scientists. Additionally, the associate will embrace best cultural cropping practices, report data and varietal observations. Activities will encompass all tasks to maintain high quality plant materials and produce high quality seeds. The ideal candidate thrives in a rapid paced atmosphere, demonstrates flexibility and shows initiative and good judgment to achieve established goals and deliverables. This position is based in West Lafayette, IN. 

As a Research Associate-Greenhouse, you will… 

• Perform scheduled activities to reproduce advanced generation gene edited events 
• Collaborate with team members within and across functions to enhance throughput efficiency and establish and track key performance indicators 
• Consult with project representatives and provide routine progress reports 
• Execute and manage associated activities with team members to deliver established deliverables 
• Maintain a clean greenhouse free of insects and diseases by embracing practices that contribute to a sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) program 
• Develop planting plans and coordinate planting trials for seed and trait characterization 
• Assist the team to develop and introduce best practices into growing cycles 
• Contribute to process improvement and optimization brainstorming and experimentation 
• Contribute to data collection, management, and basic analysis to provide project summaries and communicate the findings to project teams on a regular schedule 
• Learn and apply all regulatory, stewardship, quality management systems, and environmental, health and safety requirements 

You Bring… 

• BS in plant sciences or closely related discipline (plant physiology, agronomy, horticulture); AS in a similar discipline or 5 years relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education 
• Knowledge of field cropping or contained environments of major commercial crops  

• Excellent time management and organizational skills  
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral 
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, production environment 
• Ability to work in a team and independently 
• Willingness to work weekends and Holidays 
• Willingness and capability to supervise assistants and develop leadership skill 
• Creative and strategic thinking, willingness to be bold and take risks 
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Google software 
• Understanding of experimental design and execution in greenhouse  
• Working knowledge of IPM and the ability to identify diseases and insects  
• Exposure to managing data in databases 
• Collaborative workmanship within and across functions