Marker Genotyping Lab Technologist

Sakata Seed America•Woodland, CA

About The Position

The Marker Genotyping Lab Technologist supports routine, high-throughput marker genotyping for crop breeding and seed research programs. The role performs sample receiving and tracking, tissue preparation, DNA extraction, assay setup, instrument operation, quality-control review, data entry, and result reporting in accordance with established laboratory protocols. The technologist works closely with the Senior Biotech Manager, Lab Coordinator, Marker Scientists, breeders, and other research partners to deliver accurate, traceable, and timely genotyping results. This position is suited to a detail-oriented laboratory professional who can manage repetitive and complex workflows, maintain excellent documentation, respond to seasonal workload surges, and contribute to continuous improvement in molecular marker operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in plant science, biology, genetics, plant breeding, microbiology, biotechnology, or a related field.
Experience with crop breeding, molecular markers, or agricultural research is required.
Working knowledge of standard molecular-biology techniques, including accurate pipetting, sample preparation, DNA extraction, PCR-based workflows, contamination control, and laboratory documentation.
Ability to execute complex, multi-step workflows consistently while maintaining sample identity, chain of custody, data integrity, and attention to detail.
Ability to organize and prioritize routine testing, meet strict deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment with periodic high-volume demand.
Ability to operate and understand laboratory equipment and learn new instruments, software, protocols, and semi-technical procedures.
Good computer skills, including data entry and routine use of Microsoft Office applications; ability to learn laboratory tracking, instrument, and genotyping-analysis software.
Ability to recognize abnormal results or process deviations, document observations clearly, and seek technical guidance when appropriate.
Ability to work independently within defined procedures and collaboratively as part of a cross-functional research team.
Clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to interact cooperatively with supervisors, laboratory personnel, and research staff.
Strong visual discrimination, manual dexterity, spatial perception, mathematical aptitude, and mechanical aptitude necessary for detailed laboratory work.
Adaptability, reliability, and willingness to take on a broad range of laboratory responsibilities and changing work demands.
Must be able to work safely with laboratory chemicals and other potentially irritating substances.
Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment, including protective gloves, safety glasses, and a laboratory coat for approximately 60–80% of the workday; respirator use may occasionally be required.
Must be able to stand, sit, bend, and perform repetitive fine-motor laboratory tasks for extended periods.
Must be able to lift and carry routine laboratory supplies and equipment consistent with site safety practices.
Must be willing to work overtime, including occasional weekends and holidays, when requested to meet operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of relevant molecular genetics, molecular biology, or marker genotyping laboratory experience is desired.
Experience with high-throughput DNA extraction, PCR-based genotyping, automated liquid handling, or comparable scaled laboratory workflows is preferred.
Experience in an agricultural, seed, or commercial laboratory environment is desirable.
High-throughput sample and plate-based workflows using 96- or 384-well formats.
PCR, endpoint fluorescence, electrophoresis, allele-calling, SNP or indel marker assays, or other routine marker-genotyping methods.
Laboratory automation, barcode-based sample tracking, electronic data capture, and instrument software.
Basic review and visualization of genotyping quality metrics, controls, clusters, or pass/fail outputs.
Good laboratory practices, preventive equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and process-improvement activities.

Responsibilities

Execute routine marker genotyping workflows, including sample receipt and accessioning, tissue preparation, DNA extraction, DNA quantification or normalization as required, assay setup, amplification, detection, and post-run processing.
Set up and process established genotyping assays using approved protocols, controls, plate maps, work instructions, and laboratory information systems or tracking tools.
Operate, monitor, and perform routine care of laboratory equipment used for high-throughput DNA extraction, liquid handling, thermal cycling, fluorescence-based detection, electrophoresis, and related genotyping processes.
Perform in-process quality checks; recognize control failures, sample discrepancies, contamination risks, instrument errors, and other deviations; and promptly escalate issues to the appropriate technical lead.
Assist with routine review, organization, visualization, and reporting of marker data under the technical direction of the Lab Coordinator, Marker Scientists, or Department Manager.
Maintain complete and accurate laboratory records, including sample identifiers, reagent lots, plate maps, run information, deviations, maintenance logs, and protocol documentation.
Maintain laboratory organization and readiness by monitoring reagent and consumable inventories, preparing solutions, labeling and storing materials correctly, and supporting timely purchasing requests.
Maintain laboratory cleanliness and safe work areas; follow chemical hygiene, biological safety, hazardous-waste, personal protective equipment, and equipment-safety requirements.
Support sample throughput and turnaround-time commitments by prioritizing assigned work, communicating risks, and adjusting to seasonal demand and changing project priorities.
Assist with method verification, assay transfer, protocol optimization, automation, and other continuous-improvement activities that increase quality, efficiency, capacity, or reproducibility.
Under guidance, assist with training technicians, temporary employees, trainees, and other laboratory users on approved procedures and good laboratory practices.
Collaborate professionally with laboratory colleagues, Marker Scientists, breeders, research teams, and internal customers; exercise sound judgment and protect confidential research information.
Perform other laboratory and research-support activities assigned by the Senior Biotech Manager.