Pathology Technologist

Sakata Seed America

Burlington (WA)

On-site

USD 29,000 - 34,000

Full time

11 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Wellness stipend

EAP

401(k) Match

Profit Sharing

Holiday Bonus

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Job summary

Sakata Seed America, Inc. in Burlington, WA is seeking a QA-PNW Seed Health & QA Technician.

You will conduct routine and specialized seed health assays to detect and identify seedborne pathogens using microbiological, pathological, serological, and molecular methods, maintain records, and ensure biosafety compliance. Responsibilities include assisting the Plant Pathologist, performing growth chamber and greenhouse bioassays, logging samples, maintaining culture collections, and supporting R&D

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology or related fields is required.
Associate degree in microbiology with 3–5 years of related experience is acceptable.
Knowledge of laboratory biosafety and quality standards is essential.
Strong data management and computer skills are required.
Ability to work independently and in a team is valued.

Responsibilities

Conduct routine and advanced seed health assays, including sample prep, test implementation, data recording and lab cleanup.
Assist the Plant Pathologist in evaluating, troubleshooting, and interpreting microbiological, pathological, serological, and molecular diagnostic assays.
Conduct growth chamber and greenhouse bioassays to assess virulence of pathogens and record results.
Receive and log seed samples, schedule routine tests and maintain accurate records.
Isolate, identify, preserve, and maintain plant pathogen cultures and reference collections; prepare media and reagents.
Support R&D activities related to seed health, seed production, disease diagnostics, and breeding programs.
Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure biosafety/quality standards are met.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Microbiology

Plant pathogens

Chemistry

Math

Biology

Data management

Laboratory skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology or biology

Associate degree in microbiology

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

QA-PNW Seed Health & QA Full Time Technical Burlington, WA, US

Salary Range: $21.00 To $25.00 Hourly

Job Summary

Conduct routine and specialized seed health assays to detect and identify seedborne pathogens using microbiological, pathological, serological, and molecular methods. Perform, troubleshoot, and interpret diagnostic tests; maintain accurate laboratory records and databases; and ensure compliance with quality and biosafety standards. Isolate, identify, and preserve pathogen cultures, support assay development and validation, and maintain laboratory equipment. Collaborate with pathology, seed health, and breeder support teams to deliver reliable seed health and diagnostic results and support seed health research objectives. Perform laboratory maintenance and other assigned pathology and microbiology activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities*

Conduct routine and advanced seed health assays, including sample preparation, test implementation, evaluation, data recording, and laboratory cleanup. Assays may include seed extraction, liquid plating, blotter assays, grow‑out tests, and other seed health testing procedures.
Assist the Plant Pathologist in evaluating, troubleshooting, and interpreting microbiological, pathological, serological, and molecular diagnostic assays. Support method development, validation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Conduct growth chamber and greenhouse bioassays to assess the virulence of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, including host propagation, inoculation, disease evaluation, data collection, and result interpretation.
Receive and log seed samples, schedule routine tests, and maintain accurate laboratory records through sample entry, data entry, retrieval, and reporting systems.
Isolate, identify, preserve, and maintain plant pathogen cultures and reference collections. Prepare and maintain culture media, buffers, reagents, and other laboratory supplies.
Support research and development activities related to seed health, seed production, disease diagnostics, and breeding programs. Assist with special projects and pathology-related assignments as directed.
Maintain laboratory equipment, ensure compliance with biosafety and quality standards, and perform routine laboratory organization, sanitation, and housekeeping.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Duties

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Basic knowledge of microbiology, plant pathogens, chemistry, math, and biology.
Good oral and written communication skills and good organizational skills.
Ability to develop excellent laboratory skills in microbiology and chemistry.
Ability to quickly adapt and be receptive to changing work demands, techniques, and/or approaches.
Able to do accurate and detailed work under time constraints and deadlines, and able to adjust to seasonal surges in workload.
Ability to do routine and repetitious work for several hours in the laboratory or greenhouse.
Ability to work both independently and in a team.
Accuracy, efficiency, good dexterity and visual acuity are critical.
Competency in data management and use of computer applications.
Ability to handle stress, especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload.
Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.
Willingness to take on a wide variety of tasks and duties.
Able to train and lead personnel in specified technical applications.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology or related fields, or associate degree in microbiology with 3 to 5 years of experience in related areas such as plant pathology, seed health.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Must be willing to work overtime hours, including some weekends and holidays, as requested.
Must be able to work with laboratory chemicals, pesticides and other possibly irritating substances.
Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, respirator, and lab coat) when necessary and/or required.
Must be able to stand, sit and/or bend for several hours at a time.
Must be able to do some lightweight (< 50 lbs.) items.
Additional remarks regarding work environment: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on benchtop in lab, and working on a computer.

Health & Wellness