Part-Time Agricultural Technician: Tissue Culture & Field Research

Commonwealth Of Virginia; Winchester; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a wage personnel Agricultural Technician at the AHS Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Winchester, VA. The role focuses on developing and managing fruit tree research plots with hands-on field and lab work.

The position involves tissue culture, molecular biology, and standard lab duties, with about 29 hours per week (approximately 1500 hours per year). It is non-exempt and restricted in appointment.

Qualifications

• Direct or related experience in general biology, plant science, tissue culture, molecular biology, or laboratory analyses in a wage or similar capacity.
• Computer literacy, particularly with MS Word, Excel, email, and internet applications.
• A valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare media for tissue culture, in vitro propagation, and genetic transformation experiments.
• Collect, sterilize, and culture plant tissues under sterile conditions.
• Assist with experiments related to in vitro propagation, gene editing, and transformation.
• Provide full care for plants and plantlets grown in vitro or under greenhouse conditions.
• Assist in and independently perform basic molecular biology experiments, including PCR, qRT-PCR, gel documentation, and nucleic acid quantification.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, plant materials, media preparation, autoclave logs, and experimental outputs.
• Assist in a broad range of field and laboratory experiments as needed, including sample collection from the field and laboratory evaluation of fruit quality parameters.
• Collaborate with graduate students, field technicians, and other personnel on research initiatives.

Skills

General biology

Tissue culture

Molecular biology

Laboratory analyses

MS Word, Excel

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in plant biology or related field

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Email applications

Internet applications

Job description

Virginia Tech is seeking a wage personnel Agricultural Technician at the AHS Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Winchester, VA. The role focuses on developing and managing fruit tree research plots with hands-on field and lab work.

The position involves tissue culture, molecular biology, and standard lab duties, with about 29 hours per week (approximately 1500 hours per year). It is non-exempt and restricted in appointment.