Research Assistant

IFSI•Arlington, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Illinois Foundation Seeds Inc. (IFSI) is an independent company delivering the leading research, product development, licensing and production for the seed industry's vegetable and field crops. Our core values: Integrity, Excellence, Dedication, Collaboration, and Drive are the foundations of our success. We seek a Research Assistant who embodies and upholds these values in their daily work. At IFSI our brand purpose is "Growing Together." We believe in fostering growth not only in our research programs but also in our relationships, knowledge, and a sustainable future. This purpose drives our commitment to our customers, partners, team members, and the environment. Creates collaborative efforts that benefit everyone involved. IFSI is seeking a highly motivated research professional that will assist the sweet corn, carrot, table beet, and chard research programs in the breeding, evaluation, and development of superior germplasm for use in vegetable seed markets worldwide.

Requirements

B.S. or A.S. Degree with equivalent experience in Horticulture, Crop Science, Agronomy, or related field
Ability to operate and assist in the maintenance of basic farm equipment
Ability to obtain and maintain pesticide applicators license
Excellent computer skills for data acquisition and reporting
Demonstrates high attention to detail and accuracy in all activities
Effective analysis and interpretation of data
Excellent written and verbal communication
Demonstrates strong ability to work independently along with good team leadership and management skills
Ability to travel to contra-season nursery locations as well as various hybrid trial testing locations
Capable of working in greenhouse conditions or fields during periods of high heat, humidity, and rain
Ability to lift 75 lbs.

Responsibilities

Lead activities related to variety testing, including coordinating testing sites, seed preparation, inventory management, planting, plot maintenance, and data collection
Organize the planning of breeding nurseries and trials
Coordinate field management of nurseries and trials with 3rd party cooperators
Assist in leadership of pollination, tissue sampling, data collection and disease inoculation in breeding nurseries
Lead nursery harvest, drying, shelling, and treating of resulting seed
Collect, summarize, and disseminate data for relevant traits in breeding nurseries and hybrid trials
Lead part-time and seasonal labor daily to accomplish goals of the research program
Execute research project protocols, generate high quality data, and assist in interpretation and communication of results
Assist maintenance and repair of research equipment and research facilities
Coordinate shipment of seed samples for internal and external destinations
Ensure all tasks are completed in a safe, accurate and efficient manner and lead process improvement in these areas
Gain and apply industry and small plot research experience