Description: The Phenotyping Facility at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is seeking an immediate, full-time phenotyping technician position. The Phenotyping Facility at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center operates multiple systems for growing and monitoring plants, including a custom, high-tech facility comprised of a fully climate-controlled growth house integrated with a moving field conveyor belt system that delivers plants to and from a multi-camera digital imaging loop, as well as other systems. Now, the Facility is expanding to a new Field Research Site located in St. Charles, MO to perform field-based plant imaging in a farm setting. Phenotyping Facility staff are responsible for supporting the research activities of internal laboratories and external clients. The ideal candidate will be able to manage a variety of tasks and accomplish duties. Responsibilities will include all aspects of system operation and maintenance. To learn more about the Phenotyping Facility, visit our webpage.

Responsibilities:

• Field equipment supply and equipment inventory and organization
• Perform basic troubleshooting and corrective actions, occasional after-hours troubleshooting may be required
• Maintain compliance with federal/state/Danforth Center safety, regulatory and containment requirements at the Field Research Site
• Clean and organize of reusable supplies
• Weekly operation and maintenance of field site phenotyping equipment
• Assisting lab personnel with mid-experiment requirements such as sampling, harvesting, and cleaning of equipment
• Maintain accurate notes and contribute to final project reports
• Assisting during maintenance down time
• Monitor spare parts inventory and report low supply
• Help maintain various instruments
• Monitor request calendars for instruments and keep track of reservations weekly
• Other duties as assigned

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn how to operate field research equipment
• Ability to adhere to safety procedures
• Organized, timely, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously
• High degree of professional integrity, professional attitude, and continuous improvement mindset
• Valid Drivers’ License: in order to be eligible to drive a company car
• Can become familiar with system custom software
• Comfortable working with automated machines
• Be able to climb ladders, crawl under conveyors, and maneuver around tight spaces
• Display a positive, service-oriented attitude and work well within an interdisciplinary group
• Capacity to communicate well amongst cross-functional research teams, field/farm professionals, Danforth Center Principal Investigators, and management
• Exhibit a strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail
• Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship

Qualifications:

• High school graduate with 2 - 3 years of relevant lab experience or associates degree

  
  

Physical Demands:

• Capacity for physical in-field labor including site preparation, planting, equipment installation, mechanical work, sample collection, seed collection, etc.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. (i.e., load, unload, and move soil bags, medium weight tools and equipment)
• Must be able to work outdoors in high heat and humidity

Submission:

• CV
• Contact information for three (3) professional references

About the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center:

Founded in 1998, The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Our focus is scientific research at the nexus of food, energy and the environment to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. We assemble interactive teams of scientists and develop unique platforms to discover underlying principles about how plants work. We then convert that knowledge into useful crops and products, and partner with organizations that are best positioned to solve problems where they exist around the world. The Center’s work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and charitable contributions from individuals, companies, and foundations.

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is proudly an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Danforth Center are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It is our policy that the Danforth Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin and status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this web site, please contact Human Resources, at 314-587-1033, for further assistance.