Plant Conservation Lab Technician: Tissue Culture & DNA

Lauritzen Gardens; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Lauritzen Gardens seeks a Part-Time Plant Conservation Lab Technician to support tissue culture work, sample processing, storage, and general lab duties at our 100-acre garden in Omaha. You will manage seeds, perform tissue culture on imperiled species, conduct DNA extractions, maintain equipment, and support research and collections.

The position begins as part-time through 2026 and moves to full-time in 2027, with emphasis on rigorous data management, safety, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or associate degree plus experience in plant science, biology, ecology, horticulture, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and sterile techniques, preferably with tissue culture.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow protocols accurately and maintain thorough documentation.
• Experience working in a botanical garden, biological laboratory, or research institution (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Assist with operations of a plant conservation laboratory in a botanical garden.
• Perform tissue culture techniques, media prep, sterilization, germination, micropropagation, subculturing.
• Propagate and maintain collections through in vitro tissue culture and greenhouse work.
• Assist with conservation research projects and data collection; possible field work.
• Follow SOPs and document cultures and experiments with rigorous data management.
• Monitor cultures for growth, contamination, and progress; document observations.
• Prepare and inventory culture media, reagents, and lab supplies; dispose of waste.
• Adhere to safety protocols and institutional policies.
• Ensure proper operation, cleaning, and maintenance of equipment.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Tissue culture

Sterile technique

Data management

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in plant biology/related

Associate degree in related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Sterilization equipment

Job description

Lauritzen Gardens seeks a Part-Time Plant Conservation Lab Technician to support tissue culture work, sample processing, storage, and general lab duties at our 100-acre garden in Omaha. You will manage seeds, perform tissue culture on imperiled species, conduct DNA extractions, maintain equipment, and support research and collections.

The position begins as part-time through 2026 and moves to full-time in 2027, with emphasis on rigorous data management, safety, and collaboration with