Tissue Culture Research Assistant I

Desert Botanical Garden • Phoenix, AZ

6d • $23

About The Position

Assist with activities of the rare plant program, especially tissue culture (micropropagation) of rare plants in the Ahearn Desert Conservation Laboratory

Requirements

• Experience in micropropagation (tissue culture), and/or aseptic conditions
• Familiarity with laboratory environments
• Strong attention to detail; ability to take detailed notes
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of terrains and conditions
• Valid driver’s license is required
• Highschool diploma or equivalent required

Nice To Haves

• Some propagation experience and botanical and ecological knowledge of native Sonoran Desert plants is a plus

Responsibilities

• Assist with plant propagation using in vitro culture techniques (micropropagation, tissue culture) including:
• Assist with subculturing plants to new media
• Assist with starting new cultures
• Help with development of protocols for new species
• Record keeping
• Follow SOPs to prepare tissue culture media by accurately weighing/measuring and mixing components, adjusting to specification (e.g., pH), dispensing into vessels, labeling, and completing batch records
• Data collection and recording
• Assist with field work to collect samples, including specimens in the Garden
• Maintain clean lab space and contribute to general lab upkeep

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees