Research Laboratory Technician - Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

Job Summary

Development of soybean germplasm with variation in leaf shape and leaf area index in soybean.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Grow plants in greenhouses or growth chambers
• Monitor leaf anatomical characteristics, plant development, biomass and seed weight in greenhouse/growth chamber grown plants
• Physiological measurements of greenhouse/growth chamber and field grown plants (photosynthesis, respiration, chlorophyll fluorescence, and transpiration)
• Assist with planting and maintenance of field plots (seed preparation, planting, weeding, etc.
• Keep detailed written reports of these experiments, and archive data obtained
• Undertake data entry, processing, and statistical analysis of the gathered data, and provide written summaries of these statistical analyses

Additional Physical Demands

Environmental Demands: Work is performed in a laboratory and a field setting. Successful candidates must be able to work in agricultural fields in Central Illinois in the summer.
Other/Comments: You will be a vital part of a team committed to the development of germplasm that will be freely available to and will lead to better seed for poor farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and SE Asia, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We are particularly interested in candidates who will share our commitment to achieving this goal.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:B.S. degree in biology, genetics, molecular biology, natural resources, environmental sciences, crop sciences or other related disciplines Experience: Laboratory research experience including adherence to safety protocols and understanding of current research methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: Field research experience; experience working on a research team

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Required: Background in biology and understanding of molecular biology or genetics. Ability to work independently but also as part of a team. Ability to learn standard operating procedures for DNA/RNA extraction, nucleotide quantification, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, canopy light interception and other physiological techniques. Well-developed active listening and written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with computers, especially Excel MSOffice. Ability to maintain written records. Willingness to learn and in turn train others. Proactive in problem solving; self-sufficient.
• Preferred: Knowledge of quantitative genetics. Knowledge in statistics and experimental designs, and supporting software (R). Prior experience and knowledge with operating plant physiology-related equipment such as infrared gas analyzers and line ceptometers.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search closes. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact IGB HR office at hr@igb.illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1018790
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu