Job: Research Associate

Jobing Description

Ensures the work location or group function efficiently by performing a variety of duties using a wide range of procedures when conducting experiments and analyzing data. Assembles and analyzes data of specific problems while initiating action within standard procedures. The Research Associate in Trait Integration conducts day-to-day nursery activities related to the Waimea, Kauai, backcrossing and hand pollinated transfer nurseries to quickly and efficiently integrate valuable traits into elite germplasm. Duties include all areas of a large nursery operation including key computer operations as well as certain field activities, internal and external regulatory compliance, and working as part of an integrated team within the Waimea research center.
Duties/Responsibilities The Research Associate manages the daily field operations and provides computer support to backcrossing and hand pollinated transfer nurseries. Coordinates planting, sampling, plant selection tagging, note-taking, pollinating, harvesting, sorting, shelling, and packaging for planting to ensure high-quality conversions. Ensures locations are set-up properly in the field in compliance to all internal, local, state and federal laws and policies such as but not limited to security, safety, RMS, and Regulatory. Specific focus area for Research Associate is to manage the nursery turn process beginning at the end of pollination and including harvest, replanting, shipping and/or seed storage. Responsible for all field data taken and assures it is collected and stored in a timely manner. Supervises all aspects of the maintenance of physical and electronic seed inventory. The Research Associate supervises Research Assistants and temporary workers providing strong technical problem solving to obtain consistent results in conversions, seed production and event/conversion evaluation data.
Education and Experience Bachelors degree in plant science or related field and minimum of 2 to 4 years of industry related experience, or equivalent amount of relevant education and experience.
Competencies Ability to work independently and also perform well in a multi-cultural team environment. Experience in corn nurseries preferred. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to develop and manage skilled labor and part-time labor force. Ability to develop, implement, and consistently follow instructions is essential. Patience and orientation to detail and protocols required. Able to work outdoors for extended periods of time, additional hours/weekends during peak periods when required. Computer experience required with working knowledge of EXCEL and aptitude to learn internal programs.

IND-PHB