Senior Research Technician - Crop Protection Genetics

The Land Institute•Salina, KS

8d•$57,000 - $71,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Land Institute is seeking a Senior Research Technician in Crop Protection Genetics to support and perform daily operations of their program. This role will advance efforts to breed for disease resistance and identify and manage diseases in perennial grain crops. The ideal candidate will enjoy a wide variety of tasks, adapt to the seasonal flow of work, and bring diligence and curiosity to the role. Responsibilities include maintaining experiments, collecting samples, installing irrigation, researching field and lab topics, assisting with training research assistants, and supporting project creation and analysis. The technician will manage multiple tasks and projects under the direction of the program lead, utilizing their knowledge and skills to further research goals independently and collaboratively.

Requirements

Master’s degree in plant pathology, plant breeding, or genetics, or a Bachelor’s degree with equivalent professional or research experience
Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills
Expertise in statistical analyses and programming languages such as R
Computer literacy: able to use word processing and spreadsheet applications
Desire to join collaborations with scientists or other agricultural stakeholders
Ability to work in adverse weather conditions: sun, wind, heat, etc.
Ability to develop, maintain, and honor relationships with diverse groups and people, and partners
Ability and willingness to provide training on basic tasks, supervise hourly workers, and create a supportive atmosphere
Desire to work independently, with minimum supervision
Possess a valid driver’s license or be willing to obtain a license

Nice To Haves

Experience in agriculture and working with plants
Experience managing qualitative and quantitative data
Strong knowledge and experience in statistical analysis

Responsibilities

Plant, weed, collect data, rate disease, harvest, and process samples for field and greenhouse experiments
Maintain and assist with the design of field and greenhouse trials
Apply chemical controls for research and plot maintenance
Research, develop protocols, culture, identify, and inoculate plant pathogens, and make microscopic observations
Test mycotoxins in grain; conduct lab procedures such as DNA extraction, library prep, and occasionally PCR
Co-design and implement research projects
Prepare samples & perform statistical analysis of project results
Develop and maintain detailed & organized inventories, accurate data collection, and project overviews, protocols
Maintain working equipment and order supplies
Operate trucks and tractors & trailers and coordinate with the Farm Senior Research Technician for repairs and maintenance
Travel to offsite locations for data and sample collection; organize offsite field management
Direct and oversee the day-to-day tasks of research assistants in the lab for field and lab tasks, as well as assisting with any necessary training
Support, train, and assist in mentoring research assistants and graduate students
Periodically engage with visitors by leading guided tours and participating in community and scientific outreach or internal educational initiatives
Attend and present at conferences
Co-author of scientific research publications