Molecular Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostician

The American Phytopathological Society (APS); Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in tree care seeks a molecular plant disease and insect diagnostician for their diagnostic lab in Charlotte, NC. This role involves running molecular tests, troubleshooting issues, and providing technical support. Ideal candidates have advanced degrees and experience in molecular biology or related fields and show strong teamwork and communication skills.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Collaboration with field professionals

Qualifications

• Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, and qPCR is essential.
• Ability to focus on detailed tasks required.
• Travel and teamwork capability are needed.

Responsibilities

• Run and supervise the molecular testing side of the diagnostic lab.
• Perform diagnostics and communicate results to clients.
• Assist with training and research project support.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Communication

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Detail orientation

Education

PhD or MS in molecular biology, plant pathology, or entomology

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been in the business of providing exceptional tree care services to clients for over 100 years. We are the largest family-owned tree care company in the United States. We pride ourselves on offering science-based tree care and have extensive resources at the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory in Charlotte, NC.

The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory provides plant problem diagnostics, technical support, and training to the 140+ field offices and 2,000+ field staff that make up the Bartlett Tree Expert Company. The Bartlett Plant Diagnostic Laboratory evaluates approximately 15,000 woody ornamental samples per year collected on US and Canada client properties by Bartlett arborists. The molecular plant disease and insect diagnostician will be responsible for running and developing the molecular testing side of the diagnostic lab, with the aid of technicians and seasonal interns. The molecular diagnostician will perform/supervise the performance of all molecular testing and will report results to submitters and communicate with them as needed. In addition, the molecular diagnostician will assist with employee training, technical support, presenting at meetings, and support of research projects if necessary.

Principle Responsibilities Include:

• Run the molecular testing side of the diagnostic lab

• Keep track of all samples receiving molecular testing

• Subsample plant material to be tested

• Run/supervise diagnostic tests currently in use

• Troubleshoot assay and equipment issues, communicating with other scientists and scientific companies as needed

• Implement and develop new assays based on published procedures

• Participate in the evaluation of new diagnostic techniques and technologies as needed

• Keep track of inventory and order necessary supplies

• Send material out for sequencing, edit returned sequences, provide for relevant samples

• Write diagnostic reports (read by employees and clients) based on sample findings

• Interact with Bartlett Arborist Representatives via phone, email, and occasional field visits

• Provide support to Representatives by answering questions about sample diagnoses, pest/disease problems, and management recommendations

• Represent the Diagnostic Lab at company and industry events by giving talks, setting up displays and demonstrations, and interacting with attendees

• Assist other lab groups (Research, Horticulture/Plant Conservation) with their molecular work

• Assist with Arborist and Plant Health Care Specialist training virtually and in-person.

*Be prepared to occasionally work extended hours during peak sample submission time (summer)

Required Qualifications:

• PhD (preferred) or MS in molecular biology, plant pathology, entomology, or a related discipline

• Experience with column-based and automated DNA extraction, conventional PCR, and qPCR

• Experience with editing/BLASTing sequences for identification

• Ability to troubleshoot molecular diagnostic assays and equipment issues

• Ability to focus and concentrate while performing detailed tasks for extended periods of time, i.e. molecular testing and report-writing

• Ability to work effectively as a team member

• Ability to travel

• Excellent oral/written communication and self-motivation skills

• Proficient in Microsoft programs (i.e., Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)

• Willingness to learn

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of pests and diseases that affect ornamental trees and shrubs

• Experience with plant problem diagnostics

• Knowledge of tree physiology

• Exposure to arboriculture