SUMMARY:

The CRoPS project aims to develop crop plants that sequester more carbon via extensive root systems containing recalcitrant carbon polymers to fight climate change. A major component of this research is to phenotype plant traits and confirm trait changes through genetic manipulation. The Lab Tech II will work closely with members of the CRoPS project and the Law laboratory to identify plants with roots that store more carbon biopolymers and to help support and maintain the lab.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare plant and bacterial media (and associated reagents).
• Help prepare and monitor plant lines which includes sowing seeds, watering and maintaining mature plants, and harvesting seeds.
• Assist in characterizing plant lines. Perform DNA extractions, RNA extractions, and PCR.
• Prepare general lab stocks.
• Perform general lab maintenance and cleanliness procedures.
• Order common lab materials and reagents.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, and media plates.
• Genotype reporter and mutant lines.
• Organize plant lines and construct stocks.
• Record and analyze all data and observations in an appropriate electronic lab notebook.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Minimum of 1 year of related experience and/or training in a laboratory environment.
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office
• Preferred: Computer skills preferred: Snapgene, imaging software (ImageJ, Image Lab).

SALK VALUES:

• Integrity - Guides our moral compass and underpins our every action. We do what is right in all situations for no other reason than because it is right. We uphold honesty and ethical behavior and make good on our commitments. We understand that words and deeds matter and that integrity leads to trust.
• Community - Enables us to harness the power of our collective talents. We work together towards common goals. We recognize the importance of diversity where everyone's ideas, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are valued and pave the paths that propel us forward. We understand our pioneering role in the broader scientific community and take pride in our efforts to have a positive impact on the world.
• Accountability - Keeps us focused and keeps us honest. We are responsible not only for our own success but the success of our teams and the entire Institute. We consider how the actions we take and the decisions we make in our own work may impact others.
• Respect - Creates the foundation of trust and brings out the best in us all. We value the experiences, identities, and feelings of those we work with, regardless of their position or their relationship to us. We provide feedback in a constructive manner, use appropriate language, and allow others to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of ridicule.
• Empowerment - Amplifies all voices and inspires the pursuit of greatness. We lift each other up, enabling us to grow continuously and live to our fullest potential. We support the expression of ideas, encourage self-advocacy, inspire confidence, and recognize that an environment of mutual respect is critical to our collective success.

COMPETENCIES:

• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics

The expected pay range for this position is $16.30 to $18.00 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand
• Frequently required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• Occasionally required to taste or smell
• Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts
• Frequently work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Frequently exposure to outside weather conditions
• Occasionally exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.