Research Technician

Valid8 Financial, Inc.; Sanford (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Plant Path, a North Carolina-based agricultural company focused on stevia breeding and field trials, is seeking a motivated technician to join our R&D team in Sanford. You will plant, grow, monitor, pollinate, harvest, and collect data in field and greenhouse experiments, and support pest management, irrigation, and data quality.

Responsibilities include maintaining datasets, using barcoding and inventory software, and helping develop SOPs.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a science-related field or equivalent experience.
• Applied research or agricultural experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in collecting data from plants and curating datasets for consistency and quality is preferred.
• Working knowledge of field production and/or greenhouse systems.
• Attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Work weekdays, 40 hours per week with a team of R&D scientists and technicians; overtime may be required.
• Plant, grow, monitor, pollinate, harvest, and collect data in field and greenhouse experiments.
• Assist with field and greenhouse maintenance, including scouting, pest management, irrigation, environmental control, propagation, and inventory.
• Report phenotypic data to the breeding database, ensuring data quality and timely loading.
• Utilize barcoding and inventory software to track and store seed and plant samples.
• Maintain a supply inventory and request purchases as needed for research operations.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and report challenges with breeding operations while proposing solutions.
• Suggest options for improving efficiency and quality of breeding operations and workflows.
• Comply with local health, safety, and environment requirements; develop SOPs as needed.
• Adapt to changes in workflows to maintain productivity.

Skills

Data collection

Data curation

Field/greenhouse experience

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Computer skills

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Bilingual Spanish (nice to have)

Education

Science degree (Associate/Bachelor)

Tools

Barcoding software

Inventory management software

Job description

Plant Path is a new commercial agricultural company with breeding, agronomy, and field trials located in North Carolina. The company improves food crops to satisfy the needs of growers, processors, and consumers. Plant Path is a science and technology company built around stevia breeding and genetics through a history with the crop that dates to 2014. The company is now seeking to grow its technical team in Sanford, NC with outstanding individuals that will assist with flawless execution of greenhouse and field-based breeding and agronomic research activities.

Plant Path’s goal is to improve the lives of billions of people each year through its products, while making a significant contribution to improve the environment and save our planet. By bringing the best crop improvement science and technology forward, improved stevia will bring value in the new regions where it is grown and in the health benefits brought to the populace due to reduced sugar consumption. As an employer, Plant Path operates with the highest standards of ethics. If you come to work for us, you will be respected and valued for your individual skills and contributions and have a voice in the ultimate success of the company.

Key Responsibilities

Work weekdays, 40 hours per week with a team of R&D scientists and other technicians. Overtime during periods of peak activity is required. Infrequent weekend and holiday work may be required.

Plant, grow, monitor, pollinate, harvest, and collect data in field and greenhouse experiments.

Assist with field and greenhouse maintenance, including but not limited to scouting, pest management, irrigation, environmental control, propagation, and inventory.

Report phenotypic data collected to the breeding database, ensuring that the data meets the quality standards expected and is loaded in a timely fashion.

Utilize barcoding and inventory software to track and store seed and plant samples.

Maintain a supply inventory and request supply purchases as needed for research operations.

Monitor, troubleshoot, and promptly report challenges with breeding operations while proactively identifying potential solutions.

Continuously propose options for improving efficiency and quality of breeding operations, including efficiencies in processes, techniques, and flow.

Comply with local health, safety, and environment requirements, including but not limited to prevention, incident reporting, and remedial actions.

Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for research operations.

Adapt to changes in workflows to maintain overall productivity.

Qualifications and Skills

Associate or bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, or equivalent work experience in a relevant field

Applied research or agricultural experience is preferred.

Demonstrated experience in collecting data from plants and curating datasets for consistency and quality is preferred.

Working knowledge of field production and/or greenhouse systems

Attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate records

Computer skills required; experience with tablets, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office is preferred.

High level of integrity and work ethics

Ability to complete solo tasks as well as collaborating with colleagues in a team environment

Maintain a positive attitude, and drive for results in every situation

Ability to work effectively in a constantly changing and fast-paced environment

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Compensation

$18-22 per hour depending on experience and qualifications.

Paid holidays and vacation.

Healthcare and other benefits are available immediately upon reporting to work the first day.

Additional Information and Requirements

Position is based in Sanford, NC

Must be able to perform physical work in all weather conditions

Must be comfortable working in NC heat during the summer months

Must be comfortable with being on your feet for long periods of time

Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs

Bilingual in Spanish is a plus but not required

Are you authorized to work in the United States? Are you authorized to work in the United States?

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B status)? Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B status)?

What is the highest level of education you’ve obtained? What is the highest level of education you’ve obtained?