Lab/field assistant job for summer 2017

Driscoll’s Genetics Ltd
Global R&D

LOCATION: East Malling, Kent, UK

CLASSIFICATION: Part-time, Summer months only. Approx. 200 hours of flexible working over the June-September period.

REPORTS TO: Molecular Plant Pathologist, Strawberry Breeding Team (Catherine Eyre)

JOB SUMMARY: A temporary seasonal lab and field assistant is required to support all aspects of the plant pathology work that takes place as part of our strawberry breeding program during the Summer field season. You would be working alongside the plant pathologist to assist in setting up and assessing lab and field pathology trials screening for disease resistance in primarily strawberries, and helping ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the lab. Responsibilities range from helping set up inoculation experiments to making media and washing lab glassware and equipment. Experience in the field of plant pathology is desirable but not essential as all training will be given. A desire to learn and tackle a variety of tasks with enthusiasm is essential. The position would be part-time with flexible working hours that would be set according to the tasks at hand. Would suit a biology or horticulture student on summer break looking to gain some work experience and insight into lab and field work in R&D in the agricultural industry.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
The candidate should be currently studying or have recently graduated from a scientific discipline such as biology, plant pathology, horticulture, botany or a related field. Previous pathology or lab experience is not required as all training will be given for required tasks, but candidates with some experience or a demonstrable interest in plant science or plant pathology will be viewed favourably. Experience with molecular biology is also an advantage, but not essential.
Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint required. Must have good attention to detail and be able to follow instructions precisely. Good time-management, record keeping and communication skills and enthusiasm to tackle a variety of tasks essential.
Fluency in English is essential. Must be hands-on, comfortable working in both lab and field environment, able to lift 50 pounds on an intermittent basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
– Support the plant pathology activities of the strawberry breeding team, reporting to the Molecular Plant pathologist primarily but providing support for the wider team occasionally if required.
– Assisting with set up of plant inoculation experiments both in the lab and field
– Assisting with field phenotyping
– Fungal and bacterial sub-culturing in the lab
– Growth media preparation
– Data entry, image processing
– General lab cleaning and glassware washing
– Potting up of plants
– It is not a requirement, but if the candidate has some experience of molecular biology then DNA extraction and PCR work could be part of the role.
– Exhibit Driscoll’s values of passion, humility and trustworthiness in all interactions.
– Maintain a safe and professional office and other work related areas.
– Maintain the overall appearance, housekeeping, and safety of the facilities up to Driscoll’s standards.

TO APPLY:
Please send a CV and covering letter to Catherine Eyre at ceyre@driscolls.eu