About the Opportunity

The Tissue Culture Lab Research Associate I will lead and carry out research in the Tissue Culture Lab to address challenges faced in the Nursery and the optimization of tissue culture processes such as obtaining high multiplication rates in our in vitro stock, developing high-quality plants in shorter time, and improving overall tissue culture process practices to optimize efficiencies. We are looking for a research associate with a passion for innovation. Research priorities will have a wide range from the optimization of tissue culture techniques, utilization of automated technologies to save costs and time, plant nutrient analysis, and the use of image analysis. The researcher will work in a very collaborative environment, interacting with teams including breeding, commercial, applied research, operations (greenhouse and grow out), clean stock and plant health. Ideal candidate must be highly motivated, creative, detail-oriented, and curious. Success in this role require strong teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to anticipate and address future challenges.

Responsibilities

• • Work closely with the tissue culture lab commercial and breeding programs to identify areas of new research opportunities.
• • Design and implement research to optimize growth of the tissue culture plants.
• • Automate processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs for the lab.
• • Support the QA team with identifying and troubleshooting problems in the lab.
• • Write and document protocols, SOPs, results, and data.
• • Organize and lead daily research activities with colleagues and the Manager, ensuring clear communication and collaboration. 
• • Communicate regularly and openly with the Team, Manager and Leadership about workflow and experiment status, especially when there are questions or problems.
• • Recruit, onboard, and coach staff to ensure robust learning and career development consistent with the Company’s values and rapidly globalizing profile.
• • Travel domestically and internationally as required, up to 10%.

Candidate Profile

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science or a related field within agricultural sciences is required. A Master’s degree in an agricultural science discipline is preferred.
• Proficient in agricultural experimental design and statistics
• 2-3 years hands-on experience with tissue culture and familiarity with aseptic techniques in sterile hood from academia or industry and Research & Development
• Biotechnology
• Plant Science
• Laboratory Operations

Experience in:

• Aseptic techniques and maintaining sterile culture environments
• Micropropagation
• Media preparation and optimization
• Genotype establishment and maintenance
• Data collection and analysis related to plant growth and development
• Troubleshooting contamination or protocol issues
• Working within standard lab protocols and documentation systems (SOP, lab reporting)

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills to convey both technical and non-technical concepts to a wide audience
• Strong organizational and motivational skills, accurate record keeping, and attention to detail
• Experience with using statistical software (R, Python, JMP, or others).
• Highly proficient in Excel and MS Office suite.

Preferred Qualifications & Leadership Competencies

• Spanish fluency preferred
• 1-2 years managing people preferred
• Able to use judgment and make routine recommendations for resolving problems in moderately complex assignments
• Able to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines
• Effectively communicates with manager through meetings and report writing
• Ability to be independent, self-motivated, and enjoy working in a highly collaborative environment
• California driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program.
• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions.

Compensation & Benefits:

The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted.  The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors. 

Salary Range estimated for the TC Lab Research Associate is 53,669.60 to $80,236.

Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week. Other benefits include:  401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  More detailed information regarding the benefits package, will be shared during the application process.

About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.

Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.

Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.

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Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo.

Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro.

Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.