Progressive Plant Research conducts cannabis R&D and breeding in a highly-specialized facility under an OLCC Cannabis Research Certificate. We value a team with diverse backgrounds, and seek people that bring unique contributions. We pay 80% of individual health and dental premiums on our base plans and offer a suite of other employee benefits, including 15 days of PTO and employee stock options.
POSITION SUMMARY
In this role, you will have the exciting opportunity to collaborate with other scientists to discover, validate and characterize new genes and genetic markers associated with important traits in cannabis and hemp. You will balance multiple projects on complex topics and apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of molecular biology to contribute to the development and evaluation of new laboratory processes focused on supporting the discovery of genes controlling plant traits. Due to the integrated nature of this laboratory, you will support high-throughput genotyping and analytical chemistry methods, in addition to novel research and development projects. A successful candidate for this role is someone that is reliable, quick and efficient, has impeccable attention to detail, and demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of genetics and molecular biology.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Functions:
- Collaborate with other scientists to discover, validate and characterize new genes and genetic markers.
- Perform molecular biology tasks including but not limited to, gene cloning and sequencing.
- Coordinate tasks across multiple genotyping projects; plan, prioritize and manage genotyping projects to meet objectives.
- Support the design, execution and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project goals.
- Support high volume processing for routine laboratory testing
- Contribute to the development and author Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for novel and existing laboratory procedures.
- Troubleshoot experiments and communicate results effectively.
- Present results of work, interpret data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations to management and collaborative teams.
- Participate in functional team activities including safety, housekeeping, training.
- Maintain laboratory space and equipment, including basic maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Process high volumes of samples with minimal technical supervision.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Life Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
- At least 3 years experience in a regulated, analytical or medical laboratory environment. Demonstrated abilities in laboratory techniques are required. Familiarity with standard operating procedures/work instructions.
- DNA/RNA isolation, purification, cloning, sequencing, PCR Analysis, molecular biology, genetics, quality assurance
- Experience troubleshooting molecular biology techniques
- Experience with primer design and editing gene sequences is preferred, but not required
- Experience with BLAST searches, gene alignment, and homolog identification is preferred, but not required
- Proficient with a pipette (single, multi & electronic)
- Experience with multiwell plates (96- & 384-well format)
- Willingness to learn analytical chemistry techniques and process high volumes of samples
- Computer skills including Google Docs and Microsoft Office with proficiency in Word and Excel. Gene alignment software, BLAST search
- Ability to serve as a lead for other technicians by instructing, demonstrating, assigning and reviewing standard laboratory procedures
- Excels in critical thinking, problem-solving and attention to detail
- Ability to be flexible and can adapt to changing project priorities and goals
- Adheres to safety procedures and precautions in a laboratory setting
- Ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods
- Able to lift up to 25 lbs minimum
- Able to perform repetitive motions with hands and arms
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, at close proximity to others.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Ability to Commute:
- Hillsboro, OR 97124 (Required)
Work Location: In person
