Microbiologist

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY-

The Risk Assessment Operations Team RAOs is seeking a candidate to support the Plant Diagnostic Lab efforts towards targeted sampling strategies and building isolate collections to facilitate tracking economically important diseases and informing decisions on product placement.

The candidate will work alongside Scientists to identify and diagnose suspected diseases of plant samples using any combination of the following methods and techniques: plating specimens in axenic culture microscopy work slide wet mounts whole-plant symptom assessment keying reference materials/literature and molecular identification tools. Moreover the candidate must be able to work independently and across teams demonstrate a high level of attention to detail and provide written and digital reports of diagnoses in a timely manner. Lastly it is expected that the candidate supports inoculum lab operations including production standardization optimization and research-related activities. The candidate must have excellent sterile technique and an understanding of good manufacturing practices.

POSITION DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to any of the following:

- Ability to morphologically identify plant pathogens other microorganisms

- Ability to assess phenotypic symptoms associated with different plant diseases or abiotic stressors

- Manipulating and managing a diverse collection of fungal bacterial viral pathogens

- Utilizing both light and dissecting microscopes

- Isolating quantifying DNA and/or RNA

- Molecular identification of organisms using qPCR PCR or targeted sequencing

- Preparation of different substrates or growth mediums for pathogen growth

- Supporting the inoculum production controlled environment labs with tasks as needed

- Support in packaging and shipping procedures while remaining compliant

- On occasion plant maintain and inoculate plants as well as collect tissue samples

- Keep good data records and ensure proper labeling

- Maintain and follow all health safety and environmental procedures

- Maintain a clean work lab space regularly

- Disposal of regulated and non-regulated waste regularly in both lab and controlled environment spaces

- On occasion traveling working at field sites may be required

- Able to handle frequent shifting of duties

- Occasionally assist Scientists with tasks related to different projects

Requirements:

- Punctuality is a must

- Experience in mycology strong preference and/or microbiology

- Proficient in Microsoft Suite Outlook Word Excel and PowerPoint

- Able to work in a fast-paced environment and with a dynamic team

- Trustworthy of working independently and within a team

- Maintaining sterile technique is a must

- Good attention to detail and capable of troubleshooting

- Capable of following standard operating procedures and proper labeling

- Comfortable working in a growth chamber environment or field setting occasionally

- Able to lift 50 lbs or greater on occasion

- Good verbal and written communication skills

- Comfortable with a variety of repetitive tasks

Education Requirements:

bull Minimum education required bachelors degree in biology ecology life sciences forestry or microbiology

Skills:

qpCR, Plant science, PCR, DNA, Growth Chamber

Top Skills Details:

qpCR,Plant science

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

What are the main techniques/instruments used that someone needs to have on their resume and how much experience with each?

1 years of using light & dissecting microscopes.

1 years of identifying microorganisms specifically plant pathogens is a plus, but familiarity with identifying microorganisms in general is also acceptable.

1 years of molecular biology skills: using gel electrophoresis machines, being able to use software to analyze sequence data, familiarity with extracting DNA/RNA from samples and assessing quality with spectrophotometers.

1 years of plant pathology is highly preferred, but not necessarily required (some biology majors get some experience in working with pathogens that are fungal or bacterial)

Doe this person need to have the experience within agriculture or can it come from another industry (and if it can come from another industry, which ones?)

Agriculture is a preference; however, the skills could have been acquired if someone worked in a medical field, ecology, forestry, or anyone with a background in STEM related sciences.

Experience Level:

Intermediate Level

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $27