Lab Research Assistant

RiceTec, Inc.; Alvin (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

RiceTec, Inc. in Alvin, TX is seeking a Research Assistant to support the Grain Quality Lab under the supervising team. This on-site role requires following SOPs, maintaining safe lab practices, using PPE, and contributing to equipment calibration and workflow reliability.

Responsibilities include grain quality testing (milling, grinding, weighing, chemical prep), data entry with LIMS, and assisting in DNA extractions and PCR. Overtime/weekend work may be required during peak workloads.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Biological or Chemical Sciences or 3+ years of laboratory experience.
• Experience with safe lab practices and PPE use.
• Proficiency with lab data entry and MS Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Grain quality testing including milling, grinding, weighing, chemical prep and testing.
• Equipment calibration and maintenance of lab instruments.
• Lab data entry and sample tracking (LIMS knowledge).
• DNA extractions, PCR and genotyping assays.

Skills

Strong organization

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

B.S. in Biological or Chemical Sciences

High School diploma + 3+ years lab experience

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Alvin HD Qtr
1925 FM 2917
Alvin, TX 77511, USA

Working under the Grain Quality Lab Supervisor, the Research Assistant is expected to follow established SOPs, maintain safe laboratory practices, use required PPE, and contribute to equipment calibration, maintenance, and workflow reliability. Strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage repetitive benchwork are essential.

This role also contributes to process improvement by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across lab workflows. This is an onsite position requiring flexibility during peak workload periods, including possible overtime or weekend support.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Grain Quality Testing

• In-line processing: Perform specialized tests: milling, grinding, weighing, chemical prep, chemical testing maintaining consistent data generation according to company standards;
• Equipment maintenance: Calibrations, and periodic maintenance of mechanical instruments and liquid handlers
• Lab Analysis: data entry: logging results, managing multi-interface documents, tracking samples movement in pipeline, LIMS knowledge.
• Perform plant tissue DNA extractions, sample and assay array, PCR, and genotyping assay detection

Process Improvement

• Suggest, test, validate and contribute to process improvement endeavors

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• B.S. in Biological or Chemical Sciences or High School diploma and 3+ years of laboratory experience

Experience and knowledge in safe laboratory practices, including use of PPE, SDSs, and handling and disposal of laboratory waste.

Ability to carry out testing Independently

Strong computer skills; knowledge of Microsoft

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and follow-up on work assignments while maintaining accurate records.

Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with interdepartmental personnel and leaders to maximize effectiveness

Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships within and across teams and functions.

Ability to explain, demonstrate, and provide hands-on training to junior lab staff on proper execution of SOP.

Work, Communication, and Interpersonal skills.

• Strong team and communication skills.
• Contributes to a positive and supportive working environment; communicates and offers.
• Solutions regarding issues at the workplace.
• Ability to draw sound conclusions based on a mixture of analysis and experience.
• Seeks opportunities to assist others and the company; coordinates work with others to maximize effectiveness; has a sense of ownership and responsibility for the success of team goals.
• Initiative to take unassigned tasks that are relevant to program success.
• Open and willing to share information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position will primarily consist of lab benchwork including highly repetitive tasks; needing to sit or stand for long periods of time; handling boxes of supplies; working with equipment requiring hearing protection and other PPE as needed. This position is 100% onsite and will require overtime and weekend work during peak workloads

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to typical laboratory environments. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

RiceTec, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.

Qualifications

Skills

Behaviors

Motivations

Education

Experience

Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.