Assistant Scientist - Tissue Culture

The Tissue Culture (TC) Assistant Scientist plays a critical role in the supply of high-quality TC plants that are used as inputs for vegetative cutting production, seed production and off-shore TC production.  Important aspects of this role include great attention to detail, flexibility, the ability to thrive in an interactive, goal-oriented team environment, and working with minimal daily supervision. As a team member of Ball Helix TC Services, you will work to support a variety of TC Lab activities.

Job Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Maintain high-quality ELITE TC stock to ensure ELITE TC stock is available to start the TC plant production orders.
• Build-up and propagate TC plants for orders received from customers worldwide to ensure that the customer receives high-quality TC plants in full and on time to start their production cycle.
• Assist in re-initiation of varieties into TC, in order to keep the ELITE TC stock up-to-date and true-to-type.
• Assist in the preparation, packing and shipping of TC plant orders shipped worldwide to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality TC plants.
• Participate in the laboratory’s sustainability program to reuse, reduce and recycle polypropylene (PP) TC vessels and glass tubes with PP caps.
• Participate in light lab cleaning duties, in order to maintain high cleanliness standards in the laboratory and culture rooms.
• Utilize the TC Laboratory Inventory Management System (LIMS), for all tracking of TC plant stock inventory and associated pathogen testing records, to ensure accurate and thorough record-keeping and reporting.
• Assist in first-time initiation of varieties into TC,      including those for new crops, in order to establish the ELITE TC plant      stock for new varieties in the business unit’s breeding and product      development pipelines.
• Assist in re-initiation of varieties into TC, in order      to keep the ELITE TC plant stock up-to-date and true-to-type.

• Previous experience in a plant research or tissue culture lab, horticulture or manufacturing/production role preferred. 
• Associate degree or BSc in a relevant field preferred.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED. 
• Well organized and detail oriented.
• Work in a sterile environment to keep the plant cultures sterile.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Possess effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Does not smoke or use tobacco products due to the contamination threat of plant viruses related to these products. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 tools: Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Word file management.

Physical Requirements

• Able to Lift/Carry 25lbs 5% of the day.
• Able to push/pull 20lbs 5% of the day.
• Able to sit/stand 100% of the day.
• Able to kneel/bend 5% of the day.
• Able to reach 20% of the day.
• Able to use hands/fingers 100% of the day.
• Able to work in an indoor lab and office climate-controlled environment for 100% of the day.

Hourly Range: $19 - 21

Our promise to you We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable.   In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:  

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance  
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan  
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays  
• Tuition assistance  
• An onsite subsidized café overlooking 30 acres of renowned gardens and restored natural areas  
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs