Laboratory and Research Specialist II

This position is located at the Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center, in Winchester, Virginia. Position requires knowledge of a wide range of laboratory analytical methods and instrumentation to support viticulture, grape pathology, tree fruit pathology, and tree fruit horticulture programs. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing plants and plant, soil, and other biological samples for physical, biological, and chemical properties, such as flavor metabolites, nutrient composition, organic acids, and plant pathogens. The role involves utilizing methodologies and instruments including nucleic acid extraction, in vitro propagation, genetic transformation, PCR, qRT-PCR, ddPCR, gel electrophoresis, gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, autoclaving, and automated titration. We expect this person to also aid in the development, implementation and upkeep and sharing of lab protocols. Reagents and standards are stocked and kept current; equipment is maintained and calibrated as necessary; and methods are obtained, developed, and refined as necessary for precision and reproducibility. Properly formatted results are provided to principal scientists in a timely manner. The person hired to this position will also train students and wage employees in the proper use of lab equipment and professional work behavior in a research lab. The hired person will serve as our primary laboratory safety officer to ensure that Safety Data Sheets are updated and readily available for all labs and that all full-time staff and faculty are updated quarterly on safety training required for their positions. Serve as primary liaison for personnel from Environmental Health and Safety annual inspection and hazardous waste pickup.

Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, biology, horticulture, environmental science or related field of study, with training using PCR, qRT-PCR, HPLC, UPLC or other molecular and/or analytical procedures and instrumentation. The candidate must also have training or demonstrated experience in Good Lab Practices (GLPs) and Microsoft Office or similar software used for data handling. Candidate will have experience with routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment, troubleshooting equipment problems with company representatives, and developing, implementing and/or improving laboratory procedures. Candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills but be capable of working independently with a high degree of self-motivation. The successful candidate will possess excellent problem solving and both written and verbal communication skills. Must be willing, on occasion, to work on weekends or beyond regular work hours.

Master of Science degree or Terminal degree (PhD) in molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or analytical chemistry. Additional training or work experience in molecular biology, plant physiology, bioinformatics, agricultural research, scientific writing as through published research papers, familiarity with SAS, R, JMP, Sigma Plot or other statistical analysis and plotting software.

4

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Regular

$46,000 - 56,000; commensurate with experience

40

July 20, 2025; open until filled.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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