POSITION SUMMARY 

Conception Nurseries is a dynamic and fast paced company searching for a passionate, hands-on Research Associate. The Research Associate is a key role and critical to the R&D and business success of Conception Nurseries. We are looking for a highly-motivated, creative and detail- oriented individual who will lead our clean stock research to scale-up plant tissue culture and plant-health. The laboratory based position will require hands-on experience in plant-indexing, viral detection, initiating clean aseptic cultures and evaluating media-panel for scaleup. We are looking for a person who has interests in engaging both in discovery and product development projects. The candidate is expected to work collaboratively with the production and business teams,  thrive in a dynamic atmosphere, drive new initiatives, and have excellent written and verbal communication. We are rapidly growing and encourage people who may not have the exact match to apply. This position will report to the Director of R&D. 

KEYS TO SUCCESS

• Design, initiate and execute scientific experiments for creating disease and virus free plant material to support R&D innovations and develop solutions for our product development team to meet business goals
• Creative, innovative, critical thinker and detail-oriented to develop new protocols and improve the existing protocols
• Capable of analyzing, interpreting. synthesizing and communicating progress and challenges to improve decision making

ROLE

• Participate as needed in a clean stock program for cannabis 
• Develop protocols for periodic plant-indexing, disease and  virus screening and creating clean-explant material for plant tissue culture
• Work closely with the R&D team to identify areas of new research, partner with interdisciplinary teams to explore existing and upcoming opportunities in cannabis tissue culture
• Coordinate day-to-day research activities with colleagues to design and execute scientific experiments to support multiple projects
• Collaborate in the development of new protocols and improve existing protocols
• Synthesize data, interpret results, and write reports in communicating actively with R&D, product and business teams and leadership
• Researches and monitors potential new product opportunities
• Mentor, train and lead colleagues as part of the team 
• Assist with troubleshooting efforts to optimize tissue culture growth and identify solutions
• Communicate regularly and openly with the team and director about workflow, experiment status, especially when there are questions or problem
• Provide progress updates oral and written form individually or in meetings
• Promote positive work attitudes and harmonious relations
• Write and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)
• Live Conception Nurseries' core values

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. or M.S degree in biology, agriculture, molecular biology, pathology, horticulture or related field
• 3+ years' hands-on experience with tissue culture and familiarity with aseptic techniques in sterile hood. 
• 1-2 years' experience in industry
• Analytical and problem-solving skills as well as outstanding written and verbal communication
• Data and metrics driven with experience analyzing research and trends, anticipating and identifying opportunities, and developing insight at a strategic level
• Strong independent spirit, flexibility, and adaptability to meet the dynamic needs of a startup environment
• OLCC Marijuana Handlers Card or ability to obtain one

ADDITIONAL ATTRIBUTES

• You pay attention to details and are data and metrics driven
• You are willing and able to complete repetitive motions with wrists and hands, sit, stand walk for prolonged periods, with or without reasonable accommodations
• Your fine-motor skills and eye-hand coordination are strong
• You thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment
• You have excellent organizational, multi-tasking and problem-solving skills
• You are a true team player; your colleagues love working with you
• You are way above average and only want to work at a place that is constantly raising the bar
• You have a willingness to continually learn and grow

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401k