Lab Research Specialist

LOCATION: CENTER FOR INNOVATION, WASCO, CALIFORNIA

Sun World International is a California-based agriculture and technology firm engaged in fruit variety development, technology, intellectual property, and licensing. Technology and IP pursuits include one of the world’s leading fruit breeding/genetics programs, a broad-based portfolio of plant patents and trademarks and investments in agriculture technology start-ups benefiting its global licensees. Licensing consists of sharing new proprietary stone fruit and table grape varieties, and the IP they comprise, with like-minded fruit growers and marketers in more than 15 countries around the world. The Company prizes creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Its people strive for excellence by demonstrating leadership, passion, kindness, authenticity, courage, initiative, and curiosity.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

At the heart of Sun World’s business is a commitment to developing new fruit varieties that can be grown in a sustainable way and optimized for yield, flavor, and appearance. Research focuses on fast- moving technology and developing the next generation of fruit genetics to meet grower challenges and consumer expectations. The program is located at the Sun World Center for Innovation in Wasco, California -in the heart of San Joaquin Valley agriculture production. At Sun World you are part of a team that values passion, respect, and leadership to envision and create the future.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Lab Research Specialist will work with lab managers, breeders, and the farming operations team under the direction of the Breeding Technology Research Scientist to conduct marker-assisted breeding, tissue culture, and post-harvest assays to aid in the development of new table grape, stone fruit, and other specialty crop varieties. The position will work to deploy state-of-the art technologies to deliver industry-leading varieties across our global and regional market segments in an accelerated timeline.

REPORTS TO: Breeding Technology Research Scientist
WORKS WITH: Sun World Breeding, R&D, and Operations teams
HOURS: Full time, 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday working occasional weekends as needed

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Work closely with the Breeding Technology Research Scientist, breeders, and other key team members to enable optimized lab standard operating procedures for seedling and parent selection

  • Perform a variety of hand-on tasks such as high molecular weight DNA extraction, PCR, and qPCR assays

  • Be responsible for data collection, analysis, and organization

  • Prepare tissue culture growth media, buffers, and stock solutions following specific written

    protocols

  • Operate analytical equipment including scales, pH meters, refractometers, gel imager, and

    titratable acidity machines

  • Assist in conducting molecular-based assays

  • Develop and maintain weekly production plans for lab-based activities

  • Assist in lab inventory management

  • Maintain labs in a clean, safe, and organized manner

  • Assist in crew management for tissue collection from greenhouse and field and data collection

    from post-harvest lab

  • Complete tasks in a timely, efficient, safe, and effective manner

  • Contribute to breeding technology team process and technology improvements and trainings

     

    PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS: REQUIRED

  • Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Horticulture, Molecular Biology, or related fields with at least one year of lab experience working in molecular biology or tissue culture

  • Strong skills in data analysis, collection, and organization with a strong attention to detail

  • Ability to work well in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new

    responsibilities readily

  • Highly self-motivated, flexible, and adaptable; able to be effective in a fast-paced

    environment

  • Possess a technology and digital-first mindset

  • Excellent English communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to work on site in Wasco, CA 100% of the time

    PREFERRED

  • Experience conducting DNA extraction, PCR, and qPCR assays

  • Demonstrated ability to successfully prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced environment

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
    The position is regularly required to sit, use hands-to-finger, handle controls, and talk and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, and stop. Employee must regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus, as well as work with a computer monitor and in the field.

For more information or to apply please send your resume to eniu@sun-world.com