Molecular Laboratory Technician (Temporary)

California Seed & Plant Lab•Pleasant Grove, CA

About The Position

Are you looking to kick off your career in plant science and molecular biology? CSP Labs (California Seed and Plant Lab, Inc.) is seeking a curious, detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join our team. The incumbent will be responsible for running molecular (PCR-based) assays on seed and plant material to detect 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.

Requirements

Must be willing to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time
Able to pipette small volumes accurately and consistently in 384-well formats
Strong attention to detail: labeling, plate mapping, 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 skills – 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
Bachelor of Science/Arts in a biology-related field

Responsibilities

Sample intake, scheduling, and tracking according to established priorities and workflows
Prepare samples for nucleic acid extraction including creating extraction plate maps, dividing seeds, setting up sample tubes, grinding, adding extraction buffer, centrifuging and transferring liquid
Perform nucleic acid extractions using automated platforms (e.g., KingFisher and/or Maxwell) and follow SOPs for DNA/RNA workflows
Run PCR/qPCR assays: prepare PCR plate maps, prepare master mixes, set up multi-target/multi-sample PCR reactions in 96/384-well format
Liquid handling with pipettes: single channel, multichannel, repeaters, serological, semi-automated high throughput liquid handling equipment, etc.
Preparation of buffers and reagents
Manage back-sample storage, ensure proper seed extract storage, and proper disposal of testing materials
Prepare assay controls (including negative, positive, and process controls)
Maintain kit and reagent logs, including lot number tracking and basic inventory coordination
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.)
Ensure proper documentation is kept per our SOPs including documenting and communicating test deviations or issues
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
Assist with other lab tasks or processes as needed