Research Technician (Plant Breeding)

Blueberries; Michigan; On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Berry Blue, LLC is seeking a Research Technician to support blueberry breeding efforts in Grand Junction, MI. You will collect tissue samples, manage phenotypic data, and assist breeders with experiments in greenhouse and field settings.

The role requires a BA/BS in biology-related field and comfort with weekend work, data management, and cross-functional collaboration with the Plant Breeding Manager and team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and process tissue samples for DNA extraction.
• Assist with evaluation of breeding blocks and collect phenotypic data.
• Assist in selection of promising individuals for advancement.
• Consolidate, upload, and assist with analysis of phenotypic data.
• Assist with optimization of phenotyping protocols.
• Execute controlled pollinations as designed by breeders.
• Maintain breeding database records.
• Understand basic breeding concepts and crop/pest management.
• Assist with daily operation of greenhouse and field trials.
• Report concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Prepare and present reports and summaries.
• Other projects assigned by manager.

Skills

Field data collection

Lab activities

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or closely related field

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Description

Position Purpose

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

• 1. Grand Junction, MI

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• 1. Collect, organize, and process tissue samples for DNA extraction for genomic and marker assisted breeding efforts.
• 2. 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.
• 3. Assist in the selection of promising individuals for advancement to further stages of evaluation and commercialization.
• 4. Consolidate, upload, and assist with the analysis of phenotypic data.
• 5. Assist with the optimization of phenotyping protocols.
• 6. Execute controlled pollinations based on the crosses designed by the breeders.
• 7. Assist with record keeping and management of breeding database.
• 8. Understand basic breeding concepts and strategies as well as crop and pest management and their application in blueberry.
• 9. 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.
• 10. Report and inform supervisor of concerns in a timely manner.
• 11. Prepare and present reports and summaries.
• 12. Other projects assigned by manager.

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills Required

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

Physical Demand (With or without accommodations)

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

Location: Grand Junction, MI

Hours: Full-time, Exempt