Tissue Culture Lab Technician

LIVEHAPPY; Cathedral City (CA); On-site; USD 35,817 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

LIVEHAPPY is seeking a Lab Technician in Cathedral City, California. The role involves aseptic propagation, media preparation, and contamination monitoring. Candidates should have a degree in horticulture, biology, or botany, and 1-2 years’ experience with plant tissue culture is preferred. The job requires strong attention to detail and physical stamina. The work setting will be controlled laboratory environments or cleanrooms, paying between $26 to $28 per hour.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in aseptic/sterile techniques is paramount.
• Attention to detail with the ability to spot tiny contaminants.
• Physical stamina for repetitive motion and extended periods of sitting.

Responsibilities

• Use flow hoods and specialized tools for aseptic propagation.
• Prepare nutrient-rich growth media and sterilize them.
• Inspect cultures for infections and manage contamination.

Skills

Aseptic/sterile techniques

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Education

Degree in horticulture, biology, or botany

Tools

Laminar flow hoods

Microscopes

Autoclaves

Job description

Job title: Lab Technician

Report to: Lab Manager

Salary: $26-$28 per hour

Key Responsibilities

• Aseptic Propagation: Using flow hoods and specialized tools to cut and transfer plant materials into new, sterile media containers.
• Media Preparation: Preparing nutrient-rich growth media, including weighing chemicals, adjusting pH levels, and sterilizing them in an autoclave.
• Contamination Monitoring: Inspecting cultures frequently for infections (fungal or bacterial) and removing contaminated samples immediately.
• Maintenance: Cleaning, autoclaving tools, and maintaining a strict, cleanroom environment.
• Documentation: Recording data on plant growth, contamination rates, and inventory in databases.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in aseptic/sterile techniques is paramount.
• Attention to detail: Ability to spot tiny contaminants or irregularities in plant tissues.
• Physical stamina: Capacity for repetitive motion and sitting for extended periods.
• Education: A degree in horticulture, biology, or botany. 1‑2 years’ experience with plant tissue culture is preferred.

Typical Working Environment

• Setting: Controlled laboratory environments or cleanrooms.
• Tools: Laminar flow hoods, microscopes, autoclaves, and autoclaved hand tools (forceps, scissors).
• Physical requirements: Long periods of sitting, fine manipulation of small tissues, occasional lifting up to 30 pounds.