Research Assistant - Tissue Culture Lab

Corteva • Waimea, HI

388d • $50,169 - $55,744

About The Position

The Research Assistant in the Tissue Culture Lab at Corteva Agriscience plays a crucial role in supporting lab operations to achieve project deliverables related to plantlet production. This position involves executing various lab tasks, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring adherence to safety and quality protocols. The role requires collaboration, effective communication, and a commitment to quality, with opportunities to lead and supervise contingent workers.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED or willingness to obtain a GED within 18 months of employment.
• Reside in Hawaii.
• Experience with corn embryo rescue.
• Ability to lift and carry 20-50 lbs. of weight occasionally.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions and work in variable environments.
• Strong close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and holidays when necessary.
• Ability to read and communicate in English and work in a diverse team.
• Basic math skills and strong fine-motor skills.
• Attention to detail and strong eye-hand coordination.

Nice To Haves

• Basic computer literacy for printing or using mobile devices.
• Familiarity with good lab practices and sterile technique.

Responsibilities

• Perform all tasks associated with the production of high quality plantlets via embryo rescue.
• Prepare media and other materials for lab operations.
• Clean ears of maize and extract embryos for research purposes.
• Select embryos based on phenotype and collect data.
• Set up, maintain, operate, and clean laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Keep the lab and work area clean, following sterile techniques and good lab practices.
• Ensure all work is performed safely and efficiently according to research protocols and company policies.
• Communicate regularly with the team and supervisors about workflow and experiment status.
• Complete routine and moderately complex duties in a timely manner and resolve roadblocks to completion.
• Participate in protocol development and process improvement programs.
• Support Waimea Research Center-wide goals and assist other projects as needed.
• Promote positive work attitudes and harmonious relations within the team.

Benefits

• Numerous development opportunities to build skills.
• Health benefits for employees and their families from the first day of employment.
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays.
• Excellent parental leave including a minimum of 16 weeks for both mothers and fathers.
• Competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: High school or GED