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: This role involves collaborating closely with the Cell Biology Lead to plan and execute Cell Biology projects. Responsibilities include assisting in daily lab operations, such as preparing plant tissue culture media and stock solutions, initiating and maintaining plant tissue cultures, maintaining laboratory equipment, recording and analyzing data, and assisting in optimization and implementation of new protocols.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Execute established technologies, procedures and protocols, with minimal to no supervision.
• Assist in developing detailed project plans and execute them while meeting agreed quality standards, deadlines, and budget.
• Evaluate, analyze, and document lab projects and their results according to the plan, guidelines and procedures.
• Under guidance of Cell Biology Lead, responsible for the training on the job and technical instructions of the lab technicians and temporary staff within the project team
• Communicate effectively with other team members and internal clients.

• Work quickly and accurately in a complex, fast-paced environment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• BSc with 3 years of plant tissue culture experience in an academic or industry lab. Limited plant tissue culture experience is acceptable if the candidate demonstrates experience with sterile technique and fine motor skills.
• Hands on experience in areas such as double haploid production and micropropagation is highly desired.
• Experience working with vegetable crops such as melon, pepper and tomato in laboratory, greenhouse and field settings.
• Ability to work in both laboratory and greenhouse setting.
• Ability to set up & perform multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent planning, organization and execution skills

* 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.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• BSc in plant biology, horticulture, plant science or related field

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• BSc with 3 years of practical lab experience, plant tissue culture experience is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Capable of working with hazardous laboratory chemicals and handling hazardous waste.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment when necessary and/or required.  (Protective gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses approximately 80% of the time).
• Able to use hand tools, and/or laboratory equipment while sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

• Some overtime may be needed during busy periods.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Salary: $26- $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