Plant Diagnostic Technician
Colorado State University•Denver, CO
•$22 - $26•Hybrid
About The Position
The Colorado State University Plant Diagnostic Clinic (CSU-PDC) is seeking a Plant Diagnostic Technician to support diagnostic laboratory operations and plant health services. The CSU-PDC serves homeowners, commercial growers, Extension personnel, researchers, and state/federal agencies through science-based plant disease and plant health diagnostics. This position supports routine and advanced diagnostic activities including sample intake and processing, microscopy, culturing, molecular assays, laboratory organization, data management, and support of outreach and educational activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in plant pathology, biology, microbiology, horticulture, entomology, or a related field
- Experience working in a laboratory environment
- Familiarity with sterile laboratory technique and basic molecular biology methods
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date
- Must be able to work in laboratory environments involving exposure to plant material, soil, microorganisms, and standard laboratory chemicals
- Must be able to lift and transport packages and laboratory materials weighing up to 30 pounds
- Must be able to perform repetitive laboratory tasks and computer-based work
Nice To Haves
- Experience with plant disease diagnostics or agricultural laboratory work
- Experience with PCR, qPCR, or other molecular diagnostic methods
- Experience with fungal or bacterial culturing techniques
- Experience using microscopes for diagnostic purposes
- Knowledge of plant pathology, entomology, or plant health systems
- Experience working with Extension programs, agricultural stakeholders, or diagnostic service laboratories
Responsibilities
- Receive, log, and process plant, insect and other related diagnostic samples
- Assist with plant disease diagnostics using microscopy, culturing, serological, and molecular techniques
- Prepare media, reagents, and samples for laboratory testing
- Maintain laboratory organization, equipment and biosafety standards
- Assist with data management, report preparation, and outreach or educational activities
Benefits
- Robust benefits package
- Collaborative atmosphere
- Focus on work-life balance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
