This position provides administrative and laboratory technical support for the Plant Disease Clinic and for the course, PPWS 4984/5984 (Plant Problem Diagnosis). Duties include, but are not limited to: processing plant samples received for diagnosis, culturing from plant tissue, performing diagnostic tests, preparing solutions and culture media according to work instructions, and preparing plant samples, cultures and handouts for class. The employee is also responsible for monitoring inventories of reagents and media and ensuring availability. The employee will perform molecular diagnostic techniques (i.e. PCR, real-time PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction). The employee will also perform routine lab maintenance tasks, such as dishwashing, calibration of equipment, filing, monitoring supplies and generally ensuring that the laboratory is clean and well-organized. The employee will also assist phone-in, email and walk-in clients in a professional manner. Additionally, the employee will be responsible for updates to the Plant Problem Image Gallery (PPIG), using the PPIG web application and Photoshop.

BS in Crops Soils and Environmental Sciences, Plant Pathology, Horticulture or a related area or equivalent applicable experience or training; Previous coursework, research and/or other experience in plant pathology and/or plant diagnostics; Experience in molecular biology techniques, such as PCR and real-time PCR.

Experience with plant identification and diagnostics, sterile technique, culturing plant pathogens, culture media preparation; Experience performing PCR, real-time PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and gel electrophoresis and imaging; Experience with QuantStudio 3 real-time machine, Biolog Microbial Identification System, PClinic database, Excel, Google drive file stream, and Photoshop; Excellent communication skills and proficiency at multi-tasking with attention to detail in a fast-paced work environment.

3

Restricted

Commensurate with Experience

09/21/2021

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check as well as documentation of COVID-19 vaccination.

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