Research Technician (Plant Breeding)

MBG Marketing®; Grand Junction (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Berry Blue, LLC is seeking a Research Technician to work with breeders on blueberry cultivar development. You will collect tissue samples, organize data, and assist in optimizing phenotyping protocols in greenhouse and field settings.

The role involves evaluating breeding blocks, collecting quality traits, and supporting selection decisions while maintaining breeding databases and daily operations. Weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field.
• Experience in field sample collection, data collection, and lab/research activities preferred.
• Able to grasp new concepts quickly and work independently.
• Genuine interest in developing next-generation blueberry cultivars.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills; able to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and process tissue samples for DNA extraction for breeding.
• Evaluate breeding blocks and collect phenotypic data (fruit quality, pH, TSS, TA).
• Assist in selecting individuals for advancement to further evaluation.
• Consolidate, upload, and assist with phenotypic data analysis.
• Assist with optimization of phenotyping protocols.
• Execute controlled pollinations based on breeder crosses.
• Maintain breeding database records and daily greenhouse operations.
• Support field trial sites, monitor pests/diseases, and assist with plant care.
• Prepare reports and summaries; report concerns to supervisor promptly.

Skills

Field sampling

Data collection

Team collaboration

Independent work

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/Horticulture/Agronomy

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Description

The Research Technician is responsible for closely working with the breeders to develop proprietary varieties of northern and southern highbush blueberries for Berry Blue, LLC. In this position, you will perform a variety of tasks applicable to plant breeding however, your main responsibilities will be collecting and organizing plant samples and data, optimizing phenotyping protocols, assisting in the development and improvement of breeding tools, designing, and executing research experiments, and performing laboratory activities.

Organizational Relationships

• Direct Supervisor: Plant Breeding Manager
• Significant Relationships: Berry Blue Team and Horticulture
• Org Management: Plant Breeding Manager and Director of Berry Blue

Locations

• Grand Junction, MI

Accountabilities And Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and process tissue samples for DNA extraction for genomic and marker assisted breeding efforts.
• Assist with evaluation of breeding blocks and collect phenotypic data on breeding populations such as fruit quality (parameters include pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, etc.) and other relevant traits including insect and disease resistance.
• Assist in the selection of promising individuals for advancement to further stages of evaluation and commercialization.
• Consolidate, upload, and assist with the analysis of phenotypic data.
• Assist with the optimization of phenotyping protocols.
• Execute controlled pollinations based on the crosses designed by the breeders.
• Assist with record keeping and management of breeding database.
• Understand basic breeding concepts and strategies as well as crop and pest management and their application in blueberry.
• Assist with the daily operation of greenhouse and field trial sites, and plant care and maintenance including but not limited to sowing, transplanting, plant propagation, watering, fertilizing, hedging, inventory, monitoring of research field/trial sites for weeds, insects, disease development, soil & plant tissue sampling, field mapping, and tagging of plants.
• Report and inform supervisor of concerns in a timely manner.
• Prepare and present reports and summaries.
• Other projects assigned by manager.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or closely related field.
• Experience in field sample and data collection, and laboratory/research activities is preferred.
• Able to grasp new concepts quickly.
• Genuine interest in contributing to the development of next generation blueberry cultivars.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of computer software such as Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility with job requirements and location.
• Weekend and holiday work may be required.

Physical Demand (With or without accommodations)

• Must be available on weekends and prepared for a 40+ hours of work (as the business need requires).
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
• Travel to various field sites (in and out of state).
• Current and valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be able to lift and carry 25-50lbs.

Hours: Full-time, Exempt