REPORTING TO:                       Assistant Manager

GEOGRAPHICAL REPORTING LOCATION:        Eurofins STA Laboratories, Longmont, Colorado

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Process Colorado Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB)/Bacteriology Programs samples in an efficient and timely manner, using reliable methods, and in accordance with ESTA guidelines and policies.  Perform critical steps in processing BFB/Bacteriology samples by following BFB/Bacteriology protocols and understand the scientific principles related to the protocols.

• Process BFB/Bacteriology Programs seed samples submitted for seed health testing at the Longmont, CO facility
• Follow ESTA protocols and understand the scientific principles that underlie the processing of seed samples for BFB/Bacteriology. 
• Incorporate improvements into protocols in accordance to QA and ESTA company goals under the supervision of a trained Associate Technician or higher. 
• Be proficient and assist in all aspects of BFB/Bacteriology processing including (but not limited to) counting and weighing of seed, preparing media and buffers, planting and evaluation of greenhouse samples, isolates, etc. 
• Assist in scheduling and planting BFB samples in accordance to client needs and the BFB greenhouse reservation system requirements. 
• Prepare and process suspect seedlings from BFB grow-out evaluation; execute/ perform critical steps associated with the greenhouse, molecular and immunological testing of suspect seedlings.
• Prepare and process Bacteriology samples and suspect isolates; execute/ perform critical steps associated with the isolation, maintenance of cultures, and pathogenicity testing of suspect cultures
• Assist in the execution and completion of comparative studies in the CO BFB/Bacteriology Program. Maintenance of general laboratory and greenhouse equipment and/or supplie
• Perform testing according to ESTA QA protocols.
• Record processing details on lab sheets and all corresponding paperwork.
• Process samples in a timely manner in order to meet customer needs and the BFB greenhouse reservation system requirements.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

JOB QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelors of Science Degree in plant breeding, biotechnology, biology, molecular biology, or a related field.  Prior laboratory experience is preferred.
• Ability to  work independently, and posess good organizational skills including being able to track many different projects simultaneously.  A high level of initiative and desire for responsibility are important for success in this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.  Laboratory setting that involves glassware, hazardous chemicals, and others working in close proximity.