Gene Editing Lab Technician (2nd Shift)

Ohalo; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohalo Genetics is seeking a motivated Gene Editing Lab Technician to join our SSF-based lab on 2nd shift (3pm–11pm). You will assist in protoplast isolation, transfection, culture, and downstream analyses to support plant variety development.

The role offers hands-on work in a collaborative environment, with responsibilities spanning lab operations, sample preparation for RNA/DNA/protein analyses, data recording in ELN, and cross-functional collaboration with scientists and technicians.

Qualifications

• Ability to accurately follow verbal and written instructions and optimize methodologies.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Must be passionate about learning and hands-on work with plants.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on an intermittent basis and work both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Protoplast isolation, transfection, and culture with SOP documentation.
• Assess protoplast yield and viability using microscopy and dyes.
• Record and analyze data in ELN and batch records using ImageJ/GraphPad/Excel.
• Prepare samples for RNA, protein, and genomic DNA analyses.
• Collaborate with other technicians and scientists to ensure workflows.

Skills

Following instructions

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Safety minded

Tools

ImageJ

GraphPad Prism

Excel

Microscopy

DNA extraction

Job description

Position: Gene Editing Lab Technician

Shift : 2nd Shift (3pm - 11pm)

Location: SSF

Type: Full-time

The Opportunity:** **

Ohalo Genetics is seeking a motivated Gene Editing Lab Technician who will contribute to the advancement of plant variety development. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, enthusiastic about hands-on work, and responsible. Prior experience in a sterile work environment, plant breeding or gene editing is a plus, but is not required. The Gene Editing Lab Technician will assist in specific duties to ensure the overall success of the gene editing laboratory. This role will involve additional responsibilities related to lab operations, plant inventory maintenance, and process development. This role is not limited to only lab work, and offers opportunities to contribute to various aspects of our lab’s growth.

Responsibilities:

• Protoplast Isolation, Transfection, and Culture:

  • Perform enzymatic digestion of plant tissues (e.g., leaf, root, or callus) to isolate viable protoplasts.
  • Transfect protoplasts using PEG-mediated transfection or electroporation methods.
  • Culture transfected protoplasts to regenerate callus
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement and documentation of SOPs for protoplast workflows.

• Microscopy and Imaging:

  • Assess protoplast yield, viability, and cell health using fluorescence and confocal microscopy and viability dyes (e.g., FDA staining).

• Data Recording and Analysis:

  • Maintain accurate and detailed electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and batch records.
  • Compile and analyze experimental data using tools such as ImageJ, GraphPad Prism, or Excel.

• Sample Preparation:

  • Prepare samples for downstream molecular analyses, including RNA extraction, protein extraction, and genomic DNA isolation.

• Cross-Functional Support and Collaboration:

  • Collaborate with other Technicians, Research Associates, and Scientists on workflows, ensuring that critical processes are completed.

• Lab Maintenance and Compliance:

  • Follow safety protocols and institutional guidelines for working with plant tissue and enzymes.
  • Perform all tasks in a manner consistent with and in support of all company policies and practices related to safety and compliance.
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Candidate Profile:** **

• Ability to accurately follow verbal and written instructions as well as make suggestions to optimize methodologies
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time and do repetitive motions
• Ability to take a proactive approach to routine tasks
• Must be passionate about learning and enthusiastic about plants and hands-on work
• Must have a positive attitude and good interpersonal skills
• Ability to ask clarifying questions
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment with multiple departments
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on intermittent basis and possess the ability to sit for extended periods of time
• Candidate must prioritize safety

Desired skills/experience:** **

• Experience working in a lab including sterile technique, micropropagation, media preparation, microscopy, and DNA extraction

Below is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. Individual compensation is based on various factors including experience, education, skillset, and other relevant qualifications. This range is for the South San Francisco, California location and may be adjusted to the labor market in other geographic areas.

Anticipated Compensation: $33/hr

About Ohalo:

Ohalo aims to accelerate evolution to unlock nature's potential. Founded in 2019, Ohalo develops novel breeding systems and improved plant varieties that help farmers grow more food with fewer natural resources, increasing the yield, resiliency, and genetic diversity of crops to sustainably feed our population. Ohalo's breakthrough technology, Boosted Breeding, will usher in a new era of improved productivity to radically transform global agriculture. For more information, visit www.ohalo.com.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position at this time.

This organization participates in E-Verify. Posters linked here.