About

• Description
• Summary
• This position provides research, data analysis and operational support to and laboratory members for research projects involving symbiont technology, citrus greening disease, cotton leafroll dwarf virus and other projects as assigned.

• Essential Job Functions

Conduct research as directed by a supervisor, including

• Executing laboratory and/or field research, and interpreting the resulting data
• Maintaining knowledge of relevant scientific literature
• Maintain biological material such as plants or microorganism collections
• Maintain laboratory notebooks and electronic records
• Assisting with the preparation of reports, manuscripts and presentations
• Operates with complete oversight by the PI, research scientists, and/or specialists in the lab
• Training colleagues on techniques/equipment
• Give presentations
• Has the capacity to operate semi-autonomously with moderate oversight by the PI, research scientists, and/or specialists in the lab
• Design experiments to support questions/hypotheses from PI/supervisors
• Collaborate with principal investigators (PIs) in formulating research questions and hypotheses
• Has the capacity to operate completely autonomously with minimal oversight by the PI, research scientists, and/or specialists in the lab

Participate in professional development activities, which may include

• Regular meetings regarding the progress and direction of research with the supervisor or in group meetings
• Participating in Institute seminars and events
• Participating in activities to develop communication, management and other soft skills
• Participating in BTI committees/societies
• Attending conferences
• May perform some of the duties of a lab manager if there is no such position in the group such as, oversee the maintenance of research databases and the organization of research files for the entire lab
• Other duties as assigned
• Requirements
• Required Experience and Knowledge
• Prior experience with symbiont technology and making symbiont technology plasmids is required. Prior experience maintaining hemipteran insect colonies for vector biology research is required. Prior experience working in a research laboratory or group is required, as well as the ability to work independently.
• Prior experience submitting documents to support federal field trial permits to EPA and USDA is required.
• Supervisory Responsibilities
• No direct supervisory responsibilities. May provide mentoring to undergraduate student workers.
• Communication Skills
• Effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills required. Ability to maintain accurate lab notebooks and electronic records in English. Ability to draft publications and sections of grant proposals. Ability to speak effectively one-on-one or in small groups, and to present information to groups internal and external to the Institute.
• Computer Skills
• The position requires the proficiency in basic business applications, and may require use of scientific programs.
• Travel
• Occasional travel to off-site meetings or conferences. Occasional fieldwork may be required.
• Physical Demands and Working Conditions
• Some physical exertion may be required such as long periods of standing, recurring bending and occasional lifting. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. The work is often conducted in a laboratory setting with regular use of chemicals or equipment/materials requiring use of personal protective equipment and routine precautions. May require occasional early morning, evening or weekend work.