Lab Tech II - Plant Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Dr. Wolfgang Busch

Job location is 441 Saxony road, Barn 7 Encinitas, CA 92024

The Harnessing Plants Initiative (HPI) aims to develop crop plants that sequester more carbon via extensive root systems containing recalcitrant carbon polymers to fight climate change. A major component of this research is to grow, test, collect data, phenotype, and analyze a variety of plant strains and species.

The Greenhouse Lab Technician II will work closely with the Greenhouse Operations Manager and other members of HPI and plant biology laboratories in assisting the daily research operations of the greenhouse. The Greenhouse Lab Technician II will support the overall activities of HPI. They are responsible for assisting the Greenhouse Operations Manager in the following responsibilities: maintaining greenhouse equipment, growing plants from seed to seed, plant harvesting, data collection, plant phenotyping, troubleshooting, and overall greenhouse operations.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Perform preventative maintenance on greenhouse cultivation equipment
• Conduct basic growth system and irrigation repairs under supervision
• Respond promptly to emergency situations and alarms
• Conduct routine cleaning and sanitizing of growing equipment and growth spaces
• Assist in executing experiments in the greenhouse, including maintaining experimental processes, collecting data, inputting data, analyzing data, and following protocols
• Assist in growing, maintaining, and propagating non-transformed and transformed plants
• Execute greenhouse trials with upmost compliance to safety protocols and established SOPs; may provide basic safety training to others
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

What we Require

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED)
• 1 year experience of related experience and/or training in a laboratory environment
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $16.85 to $18.00 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, department budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.  

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

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