Research Scientist

CSP Labs is seeking an experienced, versatile, and highly organized Research Scientists to join our core services team. The incumbent is expected to have experience/familiarity with the seed pathology industry, and contribute to the development of CSP Labs priorities. Our ideal candidate should be proficient in method validation, experimental design, and statistical analysis, while having the technical expertise to conduct experiments, support lab operations, assist with audits, and facilitate the implementation of new testing methods.

Company Profile

CSP Labs is a growth-oriented, full-service plant pathology and genotyping laboratory located in Pleasant Grove, CA. We are known for our rapid, high quality seed and plant testing services, and have a global customer base. The laboratory employs over 40 people in its seed health, plant health, molecular biology, and genotyping laboratories. To learn more please visit csplabs.com. We are conveniently located in the Greater Sacramento area, and are 20 minutes from Downtown Sacramento, 15 minutes from Sacramento International Airport, and 30 minutes from Davis, CA.

We offer competitive pay and benefits, including vacation time. Full time regular employees are eligible for our employer sponsored 401(k) plan and health, dental, and vision insurance.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with lab director, lab managers, and service directors to establish priorities, provide R&D support, and technical support as needed.
• Active participation and membership in industry groups (International Seed Health Initiative, National Seed Health System, and others as applicable). Lead and participate in projects. Projects can include method development, or similar.
• Coordinate tasks and resources between participants - and attend regular meetings
• Perform validation of current methods, and engage with industry and scientific community for acceptance.
• Develop new methods, perform validation studies and complete necessary documentation.
• Create method validation plans according to industry (e.g. NSHS, ISHI, others as applicable) guidelines
• Perform wet lab work as primary lab/person doing the validation and method development work, and supervise assistant staff as the unit grows.
• Participate in, or lead, coordination of comparative testing
• Perform experimental design, statistical analysis, and final report writing of method development and validation work.
• Work through industry group submittal processes, and questions/review from collaborating scientists.
• Serve as a technical expert to our internal labs
• Support lab managers and senior technicians with technical queries and challenges. E.g., provide technical context and suggest troubleshooting experiments, etc.
• Assist as needed with root cause analysis of major business critical issues
• Support customer service team with technical non-test related enquiries
• Review existing lab protocols from a technical point of view ensure that methods are in line with lab best practices, critical points, and with reference methods.
• Assist with internal audits as an auditor
• Support initial validation, implementation, and transfer to the lab of new methods or strengthening existing ones
• Up to 15% travel, both domestic and international

Requirements

• Masters Degree or PhD in plant pathology
• At least 5 years of experience in molecular biology, designing PCR primers, DNA extraction, DNA sequencing, etc.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with variety of different teams that need support
• Must be a self starter and able to organize and prioritize their workload
• Able to stand for long periods when performing wet lab work, bend, stoop, lift 30 lbs

Equal Opportunity Employer

CSP Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.