Tissue Culture Lab Technician

Prismhr Hire; Cathedral City (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Prismhr Hire is seeking a Lab Technician to support plant tissue culture operations in Cathedral City, California. The role emphasizes aseptic propagation, media preparation, and contamination control within a controlled lab environment.

You will work with laminar flow hoods, microscopes, and autoclaves, documenting experiments and maintaining equipment and inventory for ongoing projects. A biology/botany background with interest in plant sciences is preferred.

Qualifications

• Aseptic/sterile technique experience is essential.
• Detail orientation to detect contaminants in plant tissue.
• Willingness to perform repetitive tasks and sit for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Aseptic propagation of plant material using flow hoods.
• Prepare growth media, weigh chemicals, adjust pH, sterilize with autoclave.
• Monitor cultures for contamination and remove affected samples.
• Maintain cleanroom standards, clean tools, and manage documentation.
• Record data on growth, contamination, and inventory in databases.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Education

Degree in horticulture/biology/botany

Tools

Laminar flow hood

Microscopes

Autoclaves

Sterilized hand tools

Job description

Job title: Lab Technician

Report to Lab Manager

Salary: $26-$28 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

• Technique: 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 is often preferred, no experience required, 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, and occasional lifting up to 30 pounds.