Seed Physiology Research Technologist

Sakata Seed America•Salinas, CA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Technologist Ill is an entry-level role responsible for supporting laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field operations through the execution of basic, routine technical tasks under close supervision. The position carries out research and quality projects — performing experiments in the greenhouse, lab, and field, and recording and documenting results — in order to extensively and progressively improve seed quality and yield at Sakata Seed America. This role is primarily developmental, focused on building foundational technical skills, gaining proficiency with standard laboratory and/or plant-science procedures, and developing an understanding of quality, safety, and operational protocols. The individual will work in a greenhouse environment, as well as in the laboratory and field, depending on assignment.

Requirements

Education and training in plant science, biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.
Must be able to perform job activities accurately and efficiently, with strong attention to detail.
Must be comfortable working in an agricultural environment (e.g., with agricultural chemicals and in environments where temperatures may be hot or cold).
Must have good communication skills and be willing to work both alone and as part of a team.
Must be self-motivated, able to work with minimum supervision, and receptive to changing work demands, techniques, or approaches, adapting quickly to such circumstances.
Must be able to perform repetitious work in a greenhouse or at a laboratory bench for 2 to 3 hours without interruption.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., biology, microbiology, plant science, or related discipline) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Basic knowledge of biology, microbiology, plant science, and/or laboratory principles.
Ability to learn and apply standard laboratory techniques and/or greenhouse and field procedures under supervision.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to perform accurate, repetitive tasks and follow established protocols.
Basic computer skills, including data entry and ability to work with laboratory information systems (e.g., LIMS) and/or standard software applications.
Ability to follow written procedures, safety guidelines, and quality standards consistently.
Good organizational skills and ability to maintain clean and orderly work areas.
Effective verbal and written communication skills appropriate for basic task reporting and team interaction.
Ability to work both independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within a team environment.
Willingness to learn new techniques, adapt to changing work demands, and develop technical proficiency.
Ability to manage time effectively and perform tasks under defined timelines and workload expectations.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibility includes the day-to-day operation of greenhouse, laboratory, and/or field experiments to address seed quality and yield, maintenance of the work area, basic data analysis of experiments, and documentation of protocols and results.
Conducting hands-on laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field experiments and routine tasks in an organized and timely manner, as requested by QA, R&D, Marketing, Production, and Operations Departments.
Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prepare samples, reagents, and media, and to perform routine assays and/or plant-care activities under supervision.
Operate basic and standard laboratory and greenhouse equipment with guidance.
Manage greenhouse plants used for research as assigned, including planting, transplanting, and growing different crops, fertilizer application, integrated pest and disease management, irrigation, harvesting, and cleaning.
Record and accurately document data and observations in notebooks and/or laboratory information systems (LIMS).
Compile experimental results, support basic statistical analysis, and contribute to the technical reports of research projects.
Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas, and support inventory checks and supply organization.
Comply with all quality, safety, and regulatory requirements and company policies.
Supervise and train interns and temporary helpers in laboratory and greenhouse operating procedures, as assigned.
Share watering duties with peers during weekends and holidays at the research station, as assigned.
Perform any other seed-biology or quality duties as may be reasonably required by the Company, QA Manager, or Manager.