Lab Technician - Spray Research

The incumbent will provide intermediate technical support and daily operation of laboratory equipment, sample preparation, and assist in experimental setup and execution. He or she will also conduct periodic maintenance of equipment and laboratory space. This position includes flexibility to support other research areas within Product Development.

The experiments that this individual will support are critical to the daily function of the Winfield United Innovation Center and to delivering upon our strategy: to provide our owners with the most innovative and rigorously validated agricultural products in the industry.

Spray Research - 70%

1) Sample preparation of agricultural sprays.

2) Measurement of spray droplets in a low speed wind tunnel using various laser and photographic sampling methods.

3) Organizes data so that conclusions can be made.

4) Maintenance of laboratory and equipment

5) General laboratory upkeep

Other Research within Innovation Center - 15%

1) Provide support to other research laboratories and programs within the Innovation Center, including:

• Deposition and aerial wind tunnel

• Controlled environments (greenhouse & growth chamber)

• Field research

• Chemistry

• Materials characterization

2) Conducts original research with guidance of senior research managers within area of expertise, including: fluid dynamics, plant physiology, biochemistry, weed science, soil science or other related disciplines.

3) Other support duties as assigned

Analysis & Presentation - 10%

Performs intermediate analysis of scientific results, assists senior engineers and scientists with synthesis of results, and presents conclusions and insights at tours and trainings for the benefit of WU customers, agronomists and sales employees. Supports Innovation Center tours.

Administrative & Developmental - 5%

Attend safety meetings, staff meetings, trainings, etc.

Required Qualifications:

Experience and Education

• Bachelor of Science with 0-2 years of experience working in a technical support role or 5-6 years of related work experience

• Experience following detailed technical procedures or processes

• Ability to lift 50 lbs

• Ability to stand for 6 hours per day

Competencies & Other Skills

• Basic computer skills

• Detail oriented

• Able to produce consistent, high-quality results

• Adaptable to new methods, processes, and software

• Ability to work effectively with shifting priorities

• Ability to work independently, given general direction on what needs to be done, makes a plan to get it done and seek out resources or help when needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in laboratory science or engineering field with 1-2 years experience

• Experience in a laboratory technician role with an emphasis in analytical equipment

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other software

Competencies & Other Skills

• Familiarity with agriculture

• Experience with experimental design

• Proactively improves work processes and practices

• Familiarity with statistical methods

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including pre- and post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

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