Research Technician (Plant Breeding)

Position Purpose

The Research Technician works closely with the Blueberry Breeding Team to develop proprietary varieties of northern and southern highbush blueberries for Berry Blue, LLC. In this position, you will perform a variety of tasks applicable to plant breeding however, your main responsibilities will be collecting and organizing plant samples and data, optimizing phenotyping protocols, and assisting in the development and improvement of breeding tools.

Organizational Relationships

Supervisor: Blueberry Breeder, and Breeding Program Director

Significant Relationships: Berry Blue Team

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and process tissue samples for DNA extraction.
• Assist with evaluation of breeding blocks and collect phenotypic data on breeding populations such as fruit quality (parameters include pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, etc.) and other relevant traits including insect and disease resistance.
• Consolidate, upload, and assist with the analysis of phenotypic data.
• Assist with the optimization of phenotyping protocols.
• Execute controlled pollinations based on the crosses designed by the breeders.
• Assist with record keeping and management of breeding database.
• Understand basic breeding concepts and strategies as well as crop and pest management and their application in blueberry.
• Assist with the daily operation of greenhouse and field trial sites, and plant care and maintenance including but not limited to sowing, transplanting, plant propagation, watering, fertilizing, hedging, inventory, monitoring of research field/trial sites for weeds, insects, and disease development, soil and plant tissue sampling, field mapping, and tagging of plants.
• Report and inform supervisor of concerns in a timely manner.
• Prepare and present reports and summaries.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or closely related field is preferred.
• Experience in field sample and data collection is preferred but not required.
• Able to grasp new concepts quickly.
• Genuine interest in contributing to the development of next generation blueberry cultivars.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of computer software such as Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility with job requirements and location.
• Occasional overtime, weekend and holiday work may be required.
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
• Travel to various field sites (in and out of state).
• Current and valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be able to lift and carry 25-50lbs.

Location: Alma, GA

Hours: Full-time, permanent status, exempt status.