Summary/Objective
A tissue culture specialist is responsible for the scientific and production aspects of a tissue culture program, primarily focused on aseptic techniques to propagate plants or cells in a controlled laboratory environment, including tasks like media preparation, plant explanting, micropropagation, quality control, and maintaining a sterile workspace to produce disease-free, genetically identical plant material or cell lines for research or commercial purposes. Assist in overseeing the entire tissue culture process, from initiating cultures to transferring plants to the greenhouse, while adhering to strict quality standards and documentation procedures. In addition to the outlined tasks, this position will assist the rest of the Cultivation staff in performing other day to day tasks as needed including but not limited to pruning, watering, harvesting, nutrient and water testing, recording, and measuring plant data, crop manipulation and training, room and equipment cleaning and sterilization, etc.
Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Media preparation: Formulating, mixing, and sterilizing media according to established protocols and recipes.
- Aseptic technique: Ability to perform all procedures under a laminar flow hood and maintain sterility while preventing contamination.
- Assist in explant collection by carefully collecting and sanitizing plant tissue samples (explants) from donor plants for initiating cultures.
- Micropropagation by actively multiplying plantlets through subculturing onto fresh media.
- Plant hardening by gradually acclimating in vitro plants to greenhouse conditions before transferring them to rockwool/coco based media.
- Perform weekly scouting checks on assigned section including physically inspecting plants
- Report pest/disease/plant health issues immediately to the IPM Team and Directors.
- Work with IPM Team to schedule pesticide applications and foliar sprays, assist in performing these applications if needed being sure to follow established record keeping and safety guidelines.
- Communicate weekly with Irrigation and Controls team regarding observations on irrigation needs and equipment issues.
- Hand water growth chamber plants as needed.
- Perform weekly canopy maintenance including pinching, light defoliating, spot pruning, training, etc. within the mom room and growth chamber.
- Quality control by regularly monitoring cultures for contamination and ensuring consistent quality of plant material
- Work with Crop Optimization Team with regards to any experiments being performed in TC and the mom room.
- Work with Veg Section Grower, Veg Technician and Nursery Specialists as needed on the upkeep of the mother plants.
- Preform regular QC checks – especially during and after large cultivation staff events (transfer and pruning events)
- Maintain a detailed journal of crop generation observations to be compiled into a report after each harvest.
- Perform weekly room upkeep tasks such as sweeping, moping, etc.
- Data recording and analysis such as maintaining detailed records of culture progress, including observations, measurements, and any deviations from protocols.
- Communicate with the Tissue Culture Manager for any supplies needed for purchase or maintenance.
- Assist with equipment maintenance including but not limited to properly operating and maintaining laboratory equipment like autoclaves, incubators, microscopes and laminar flow hoods.
- Troubleshooting identifying and resolving issues that may arise during the tissue culture process.
Qualifications
Preferred:
- Strong understanding of plant biology and tissue culture techniques
- Expertise in aseptic techniques and sterile laboratory practices
- Proficiency with laboratory equipment like autoclaves, centrifuges, and laminar flow hoods
- Excellent attention to detail and meticulous record-keeping abilities
- Ability to work independently and follow established protocols
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Work Environment
CULTIVATION- This job operates in a high-tech indoor growing environment, with some time spent in an office environment. Conditions in the grow rooms can be bright and of varying temperature and humidity.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift products and supplies, up to 35 pounds. This position requires the passing of a respirator fit test and the ability to wear a full-face respirator when chemical safety labels require one.
Travel: Some local