About Sakata: Our mission is to quickly and efficiently meet industry expectations for quality seed, strong performance and excellent yields, as well as retail and consumer demand for delicious fruit and vegetables. Sakata Seed America was established in 1977 as a research, production and sales division of Sakata Seed Corporation. Our mission is to quickly and efficiently meet industry expectations for quality seed, strong performance and excellent yields, as well as retail and consumer demand for delicious fruit and vegetables. Sakata Seed America is headquartered in Woodland, CA. Our research facilities include stations in Salinas, California; Yuma, Arizona; Burlington, Washington; and Fort Myers, Florida. These facilities focus on vegetable breeding and trialing. Today, we continue to challenge ourselves to be the industry leader for innovation, quality, reliability and service. 

LOCATION: Woodland, CA

JOB SUMMARY: Primary responsibility is to provide technical support for high throughput genotyping platform.  Ensures DNA extractions and genotyping reactions for time-bound projects are completed on time.  Provides general lab support in managing inventory, preparing reagents, shipping, and receiving lab materials, using, cleaning, and maintaining various types of lab equipment, handling and storing lab chemicals and other materials.  Under direction of Genotyping Lab Coordinator, provides technical direction to and works with a staff of technologists and technicians; recommends necessary changes in laboratory procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Works under the technical direction of the Genotyping Lab Coordinator, Marker Scientists and/or the department manager to accurately execute routine molecular markers and new protocols for development research projects.
• Operate a variety of scientific equipment used in high throughput DNA extraction and genotyping. 
• Quickly and accurately perform lab work in fast paced environment.
• Responsible for lab organization and ensuring adequate stocks of of lab reagents,

• Under guidance of Genotyping Lab Coordinator, responsible for the training and technical supervision of technicians, trainees, temporary employees, and others in the lab.
• Responsible for keeping accurate records of lab activities such as maintaining lab notebooks and documenting procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Perform established protocols with no supervision. 
• Work quickly and accurately.  Effective manager of complex, fast paced lab processes.
• Able to set up experiments with proper controls, and interpret results.

* To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable Individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Experience managing complex multi-step workflows, very organized.
• Four to six years experience in lab. 
• Experience with high throughput methods in genotyping is a plus – for example the use of automated equipment in genotyping thousands to millions of DNA samples.
• Exceptional lab skills and understanding of lab methods, concepts and practices.
• Knowledge of basic genetics and chemistry concepts and lab techniques required.
• Knowledge of good lab practices.

• Must be able to interact cooperatively with supervisors, lab personnel, and other research staff.
• Must have good computer (PC) skills, and the ability to learn and become adept with other programs.
• Must be able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Must be able to operate and understand laboratory equipment.
• Must be able to learn additional appropriate technical and semi-technical skills.
• Must have the ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Must have excellent spatial perception, mathematical aptitude, auditory discrimination, visual discrimination, dexterity, and mechanical aptitude.
• Must have experience with and knowledge of standard molecular biology protocols.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum B.S. or, MS degree in Plant Science, Biology, Genetics, or related field.

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• BS and 6 or more years practical lab experience, or MS and four years practical lab experience.  Practical experience in high thruput workflows and/or genotyping preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to work with hazardous laboratory chemicals and other possible irritating substances.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment when necessary and/or required.  (Protective gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses approximately 80% of the time, respirator on occasion).
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Some overtime may be needed during busy periods.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Salary: $24 - $29 per hour
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
• Company provided EAP
• Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps

APPLICATION

To apply, send resume to HR@sakata.com