ELISA Laboratory Technician

Are you looking to kick off your career in plant science and molecular biology? CSP Labs (California Seed and Plant Lab, Inc.) is seeking a curious, detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join our team. In this entry-level role, you’ll work hands-on with seed and plant material, performing ELISA assays to detect plant viruses that impact global agriculture. This is a great opportunity to build technical skills, contribute to meaningful agricultural research, and grow in a team-oriented environment. This is a full time position with a 1 year term with the possibility of renewal.

Company Profile

CSP Labs is a growth-oriented, full-service plant pathology and genotyping laboratory located in Pleasant Grove, CA. We are known for our rapid, high quality seed and plant testing services, and have a global customer base. The laboratory employs over 40 people in its seed health, plant health, molecular biology, and genotyping laboratories. To learn more please visit csplabs.com. We are conveniently located in the Greater Sacramento area, and are 20 minutes from Downtown Sacramento, 15 minutes from Sacramento International Airport, and 30 minutes from Davis, CA.

Responsibilities

- Perform end-to-end ELISA testing on seed/plant material. The process includes: sample scheduling, subsampling, grinding, seed extraction, plate setup, washing, substrate addition, absorbance (OD) measurement, data analysis, and report preparation
- Prepare buffers; maintain reagent inventory; record lot numbers; maintain laboratory logs
- Routine cleaning and maintenance of work areas and equipment
- Handle liquid with a variety of pipettes, including: single channel, multichannel, repeaters, serological, semi-automated high throughput liquid handling equipment, etc.
- Collaborate with teammates to share spaces/equipment and meet turnaround times
- Actively participate in the lab’s quality management system (QMS)
- Troubleshoot equipment and assay issues
- Independently follow standard operating procedures, verbal and written instructions to complete routine laboratory work, analysis, and research; able to take direction and prioritize accordingly
- Properly track and handle seed and plant samples on paper, shared google sheets, and on a LIMS
- Operate various types of equipment such as pipettes, scales, grinders, centrifuges, plate washers, etc.
- Basic lab chores (putting supplies away, autoclave materials, taking out trash & recycling, etc.) and general lab housekeeping (washing general glassware, general cleaning etc.)
- Assist with other lab tasks or processes as needed

Requirements

- Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time
- Can be trained to carry out basic steps of routine protocols with little to no supervision
- Proactive listener/learner skills – asks questions to ensure clarity
- Good organizational and time management skills – can independently plan and complete multiple tasks on time
- Be a team player and respectful to others
- Possesses good math skills (basic arithmetic and algebra)
- Proficient in computer use (Gmail, MSOffice)
- Fluent in verbal and written English
- Able to stand for extended periods of time and lift to 40 lbs.
- Bachelor of Science/Arts in a biology-related field

Equal Opportunity Employer

CSP Labs 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.