What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant position at Micro Paradox?
Micro Paradox is seeking a detail-oriented Research Assistant to work directly alongside our Research Director. This role is specifically designed as a professional development track for a scientifically minded individual who excels at documentation, data organization, and technical writing. The successful candidate will undergo direct mentorship to transition from executing trials to independently designing experiments, writing production-ready protocols, and managing scientific documentation. Previous micropropagation experience is not required.
About Us
Micro Paradox is a specialty plant laboratory that produces disease-free, lab-propagated plants for commercial nurseries across the United States and internationally. Our plants are grown using tissue culture, a propagation method that ensures they are clean, uniform, and true to type.
Micro Paradox offers a unique work environment: a small, highly technical operation where the work is hands-on, our products and services continue to grow and evolve, and the impact of what we produce can be seen in grocery stores and plant nurseries in the United States and beyond.
What You'll Do
When you start:
- Executes research trials by preparing media, establishing new cultures, and subculturing plant material under standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Maintains meticulous, highly accurate, and systematic documentation of daily trial progress
- Translates direct experimental observations into clear, concise preliminary draft reports
- Submits samples for pathogen testing and coordinates data with the production team
As you grow:
- Co-authors trial protocols and written trial reports, with increasing independence
- Assists in experimental design and trial planning
- Takes ownership of scheduling, tracking, and compiling data for ongoing production trials
- Translates complex scientific literature or experimental results into clear, actionable, instructions for production staff
- Other duties as assigned by senior staff
What We’re Looking For
- B.S. in Plant Biology, Agronomy, Horticulture or related degree
- Exceptional Technical Writing Skills: The ability to digest data, scientific literature, and verbal direction, and synthesize them into precise, structured written reports and operational protocols
- Proficient in computer use (Gmail, Docs, spreadsheets)
- Able to work with hands, stand, walk, stoop, sit, and bend for extended hours
- Able to work in hot and humid conditions and to lift 30 lbs
Compensation & Benefits
- $23.00-30.00/hour, depending on experience
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and sick leave
- 4% matching 401(k) after 1 year
- Work hours Monday through Friday
Equal Opportunity Employer
Micro Paradox provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Salary : $23 - $30