Research Associate I

During the next 20 years, with an expanding global population, improved diets and rapidly growing energy demands, society will need to produce plants enhanced for food, feed, fiber, energy and aesthetic benefit without large increases in production acreage. With the growth of energy production from agricultural feedstocks, agricultural and energy supply chains serving the needs of a growing carbohydrate economy are expected to become integrated. Mendel Biotechnology's vision is that our knowledge about regulation of plant gene and pathway function will enable accelerated improvement in plant varieties, and the delivery of associated services, to meet global agricultural and energy production needs.

Mendel is dedicated to being a premier biotechnology company serving large agricultural companies with new genetic and chemical solutions and to becoming the leading seed company serving the bioenergy industry.

Position Overview:

Mendel Biotechnology invites applications for a Research Associate I at Mendel's Tifton, GA site.  The successful candidate will serve as research farm assistant in plant breeding, horticulture and agronomic research.  Direct reporting will be to the Senior Research Scientist, Plant Breeder.  The focus of the position will be on new cultivar of high-biomass perennial grasses for the biofuel and power markets.

Position Objectives:

• Implement prescribed plant breeding, horticulture and agronomic research and development activities on crop species that target bio-fuel and bio-energy commodity markets.
• Assist in the development and implementation of plant propagation, crossing schemes and other research projects under environmentally controlled growing systems. Deliverables include plant material readiness for field propagation, product shipping, derivation of breeding seed, and timely progress reporting.
• Successfully assist and implement the coordination of all field plot activities.
• Ensure data and observation information is efficiently processed for downstream reporting.

Responsibilities:

• Organize in coordination with Senior Manager (Breeding Lead) and Senior Scientist (Plant Breeder) the greenhouse, head house, and growth chamber facility functions.
• Assist in all field plot activities involving planting, plot maintenance, data recording, and harvest.
• Record, organize and disseminate data per protocol and timelines to appropriate project leaders.
• Assist in the procurement of GH/GCoperational supplies at Tifton.
• Set up and maintain work station areas for propagation projects and all activities related to GH, GC and field trials for plant breeding and agronomic research projects.
• Implement improved GH and GC production strategies and organization. 

Qualifications:

• B.S. in Agronomy w/ 2-5 years of experience
• Basic computer skills including word processing, Excel, media presentation, and general company IT services
• Vegetative and seed propagation experience
• Greenhouse and growth chamber propagation techniques, and greenhouse bench organization
• Organization and labeling of equipment and materials
• Labor supervision of plant propagation
• Able to lift over 25 lbs
• Excellent communication skills for superiors, colleagues and subordinates

Recognition of the importance of compliance with State, Federal and corporate regulations and the importance of promoting a strong culture of employee health and safety are required.  Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the U.S.  Must hold and maintain standard driver's license. 

Compensation:  Salary: Negiotiable 

To Apply:

Please email a letter of interest, CV, salary requirements and contact information for 3 references (including email addresses).