SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN POSITION DESCRIPTION: Laboratory Technician
The Laboratory Technician assists with a wide range of lab and office work supporting the inventory, conservation, and restoration of California’s flora and ecological communities. Occasional field work may also be required. This full-time (40 hours per week), non-exempt position reports to the Conservation Geneticist.
Essential Duties:
- Perform routine molecular genetics lab work, including: o DNAextraction
o DNAquantitation
o Gelelectrophoresiso PCR
o Assistwithadditionallaboratorytasksasassigned(includinghigh-throughputlibrarypreparations)
- Prepare, database, and help maintain dried plant tissues for SBBG tissue bank;
o Coordinatewithcollectorstoobtainnecessarymeta-datawhenaccessionsaremadebySBBGcollectors;
- Enter data, and maintain SBBG DNA database;
- Upload genetic data to publicly available databases (GenBank, BOLD);
- Assist with analyses and report preparation;
- Assist and manage volunteers as needed;
Knowledge and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of basic molecular genetic techniques;
- Experience with and knowledge of basic taxonomic principles in botany;
- Knowledge of and experience with the California flora (preferred, not required);
- Ability to follow instructions, work successfully with others, and work independently with minimal
supervision;
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills;
- Manual dexterity sufficient to preform laboratory work and prepare plant tissue specimens;
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
- Computer proficiency including ability to use Microsoft Access, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and
ability to learn new computer programs as necessary including Geneious, BOLDsystems;
- Willingness and ability to work cooperatively with peers at SBBG and other institutions;
- Support for the Garden’s mission and goals.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, conservation biology, or closely related area;
- Master’s degree (preferred, not required) or two or more full- time years (or equivalent) of relevant experience.
Certificates and Licenses:
• Must have valid California Driver License and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Physical Requirements:
Must be capable of occasional strenuous physical work including:
- Sitting for up to 2.0 hours at a time and using computer for lengthy periods
- Standing/walking for extended periods of time
- Bending, squatting, and walking stairs
- Safely lifting and carrying 40 lbs.
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• Rigors of an outdoor work environment, including temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, wild animals, steep slopes, and sun exposure.
Interested candidates contact:
C. Matt Guilliams, Ph.D., he/him
Ken & Shirley Tucker Plant Systematist
Curator of the Clifton F. Smith Herbarium (SBBG)
Est. 2015-06
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