Blueberry Plant Breeding Research Technician

Mbg-Marketing; Grand Junction (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Berry Blue, LLC is seeking a Research Technician to work closely with breeders to develop proprietary blueberry varieties. You will collect and organize plant samples, data, and assist in breeding tools and experiments.

Responsibilities include field and greenhouse operations, data consolidation, phenotyping, and reporting to the Plant Breeding Manager. Weekend work and travel to field sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or closely related field.
• Experience in field data collection and lab/research activities preferred.
• Able to grasp new concepts quickly and work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and process tissue samples for DNA extraction.
• Evaluate breeding blocks and collect phenotypic data (fruit quality, disease resistance).
• Assist in selecting individuals for advancement to evaluation stages.
• Consolidate, upload, and analyze phenotypic data.
• Optimize phenotyping protocols and assist with breeding tools.
• Execute controlled pollinations as designed by breeders.
• Maintain breeding records and databases.
• Support greenhouse and field trial operations and plant care.
• Report concerns to supervisor and present summaries.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Field data collection

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Time management

MS Office

Communication skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Weekend work

Education

Bachelor/BS in Biology or related

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Berry Blue, LLC is seeking a Research Technician to work closely with breeders to develop proprietary blueberry varieties. You will collect and organize plant samples, data, and assist in breeding tools and experiments.

Responsibilities include field and greenhouse operations, data consolidation, phenotyping, and reporting to the Plant Breeding Manager. Weekend work and travel to field sites may be required.