Senior Research Technician - Crop Protection Genetics

The Land Institute; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Research Technician to enhance crop protection genetics. In this dynamic role, you will engage in various tasks from fieldwork to lab analysis, contributing to innovative research aimed at improving disease resistance in crops. Your expertise will guide the management of experiments and the training of research assistants, fostering a collaborative environment. This position offers the opportunity to work with diverse teams and make a significant impact on sustainable agriculture. If you are passionate about plant science and eager to drive meaningful change, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package

Competitive salary

Flexible working hours for caregivers

Qualifications

• Master's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience required.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations in crop protection genetics and manage experiments.
• Collaborate on research projects and assist with training research assistants.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organization skills

Collaboration skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to work in adverse weather

Education

Master’s degree in plant pathology, plant breeding, or genetics

Bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience

Tools

R programming

Airtable

Statistical analysis software

Job description

Senior Research Technician - Crop Protection Genetics

As a Senior Research Technician in Crop Protection Genetics, you will support and enact daily operations of your program to support and advance efforts to breed for disease resistance, identify, and manage diseases in perennial grain crops. You will be someone who enjoys a wide variety of tasks and adapts to the seasonal flow of sample collection, processing, analysis, and planning. Your daily tasks will include maintaining ongoing experiments by weeding, observing, harvesting, mowing, collecting regular samples in the field, installing and maintaining irrigation equipment and growth tunnels, researching a variety of field and lab-relevant topics, assisting with training and directing research assistants in the lab, and supporting the creation and analysis of projects. You will manage various tasks, projects, and timelines simultaneously under the direction of your program lead and use knowledge and skills in field and lab work to further the program's research goals both independently and collaboratively.

Primary Responsibilities + Expectations

• Plant, collect data, rate disease, harvest, and thresh samples for field and greenhouse experiments
• Collaborate, co-design, and implement research projects
• Assist with design and maintenance of field and greenhouse trials, including set-up/take down of irrigation systems and maintenance of caterpillar tunnels
• Travel to offsite locations for data and sample collection; organize offsite field management.
• Culture plant pathogenic organisms, assist with identification, and make microscopic observations
• Monitor and care for greenhouse, tunnel, LED room, and other potted plants
• Test mycotoxins in grain in lab; may occasionally conduct other lab procedures such as DNA extraction, ELISA and PCR
• Develop and maintain detailed & organized sample storage, accurate data collection, and easily accessible/understandable project overviews, protocols, and directions for team members in shared folders, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Prepare samples & perform statistical analysis of project results
• Correspond with researchers, farmers, and civic scientists to exchange samples and information
• Coordinate with the team to maintain working equipment and order supplies for projects & day-to-day activities and budget records.
• Operate trucks and tractors & trailers and coordinate with the Farm Senior Research Technician for repairs and maintenance.
• Coordinate with program lead to maintain records of program activities related to organizational goals using Airtable
• Schedule and coordinate ongoing internal program meetings

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the day-to-day tasks of research assistants in the lab for field and lab tasks, as well as assisting with any necessary training
• Support, train, and assist in mentoring research residents and graduate students

Who you are

• Master’s degree in plant pathology, plant breeding, or genetics or a Bachelor’s degree with equivalent professional or research experience
• Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills
• Computer literacy; able to use word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Familiarity with statistical analyses and programming languages such as R; interest and ability to learn new software such as R, AirTable, and other programs for statistical analysis and lab organization
• Desire to join collaborations with scientists or other agricultural stakeholders
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions: sun, wind, heat, etc.
• Ability to work well with others, including people from different cultures, political parties, socioeconomic classes, etc.
• Ability to develop, maintain, and honor relationships with diverse groups and people and partners
• Ability and willingness to provide training on basic tasks, supervise hourly workers, and create a supportive atmosphere
• Desire to work independently, with minimum supervision.
• Possess a valid driver’s license or willingness to obtain a license

Qualifications That Could Help You Succeed

• Experience in agriculture and working with plants
• Experience managing qualitative and quantitative data
• Strong knowledge and experience in statistical analysis

Hours

Generally available to work forty hours per week, including in-person and digital meetings, primarily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Time on weekdays when most of our staff and collaborators are working. Some evening and weekend working hours will be needed. We are flexible for caregivers who might need to provide rides or support, attend appointments, or be available for caregiving.

Location + Travel

This in-person role is based in Salina, KS, and will require travel for events, meetings, and fieldwork. Primary travel will happen in the United States. Some limited remote work during the off-season is possible. Seasonal travel may be as much as 10% of the time.

Environmental + Working Conditions

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and phone.
• Work in field and laboratory research settings in all types of weather
• Long hours of fieldwork
• Travel in varying conditions

The Land Institute offers an excellent benefits package and competitive salary commensurate with experience.

The salary range for this position is $57,000 - $71,000 annually.

To Apply

To be considered for this position click apply below and submit a resume/CV and cover letter. Review of applications will begin March 21, 2025. Position will remain open until filled.

Please answer the following in the cover letter:

• Why are you interested in this position?
• What interests you about the Crop Protection Genetics program?
• What experience do you have that might help you be successful in this role?
• What are you most curious about with regard to The Land Institute or our mission?

The Land Institute is an equal opportunity employer and embraces the opportunity to provide employment to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.