Research Assistant

About United Genetics

United Genetics was founded in 1990 with headquarters in Hollister, California. What began as a family-owned seed company grew into an international vegetable seed organization with subsidiaries in Italy, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, India, and Jordan.

United Genetics proudly offers top quality processing tomato, fresh market tomato, hot pepper, sweet pepper, watermelon, melon, squash, and cucumbers seed, among others. We focus on the needs of diverse customers along the vegetable supply chain, thinking of the grower by securing the versatility and robustness of the product performance, and the consumer, by focusing on the physical appeal, nutritional value and the taste of the outcome of our genetics.

Benefits Summary:

We are proud to offer a well-rounded benefits package designed to support the physical, financial, and personal well-being of our employees. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. Vester and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). 401K with company matching, Life insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid holidays.

JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

The Research Assistant supports the molecular marker laboratory by performing routine and advanced genotyping techniques in a timely and accurate manner. This role provides technical support to plant breeders and research scientists by generating, processing, and documenting high-quality genotyping data in accordance with established laboratory protocols and quality standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform DNA extraction from plant tissues, including leaf and seed samples, in accordance with established laboratory protocols.
• Conduct Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genotyping using platforms such as PCR Allele Competitive Extension (PACE) and other high-throughput genotyping systems
• Complete genotyping workflows utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies following approved procedures and timelines.
• Assist with the development, validation, and implementation of molecular markers linked to priority research traits.
• Support the Genotyping Coordinator with project organization, prioritization, and workflow coordination as assigned.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely laboratory documentation, records, and sample inventories in compliance with data integrity and quality standards.
• Analyze molecular and genotyping data, assess data quality, and prepare reports or summaries for plant breeders, research scientists, and R&D project management.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and internal procedures.
• Compliance with health and safety standards, programs and industry codes in accordance with federal, county and state agencies (CCR Title 8, EPA, RCRA, CERCLA, NFPA, and FDA) and regulations. Follow control measures for exposure to hazardous materials or conditions.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

JOB POSITION DIMENSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education Level and Focus:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, Genetics, Plant Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience: 2 years of related experience; previous laboratory experience in molecular biology, genetics, or plant breeding is highly preferred. Experience in PCR technique is also preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

Interpersonal and Communication: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and always maintaining them. The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person and to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Technical and Analytical:

Keeping track of record generated by other departments Efficiently conducting routine analysis and troubleshooting Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook. Knowledge, skills, abilities and others in molecular biology experiments (PCR, qPCR, electrophoresis...etc.). Basic Knowledge in statistics. Ability to learn and understand new technologies related to this job Ability to interpret data and make quick decisions. Experience with molecular techniques, such as PCR, DNA extraction, and electrophoresis.

Physical Demands:

Deal calmly and effectively in a seasonally demanding work environment. Working flexible hours or overtime on short notice may be required. Must be able to work in the office and fields/greenhouses under various ambient conditions, particularly reduced air-quality and in periods of high temperatures possible exceeding 100 degrees F. Must be physically fit to walk, bend, kneel, squat, bend your neck and lift up to 40 lbs.

Work Environment:

Office, outdoors, cages and greenhouses work with temperatures close to 100 degrees, walk on uneven surface and often be exposed to chemicals.