Laboratory Technician

Reporting To

Senior Researcher Phytopathology (SEA)

Purpose

Support Routine Disease Testing & Research Trials execution in phytopathology lab, greenhouse/tunnel and open field. Manage the agronomy of trials of all crops and maintenance of Phytopathology GH/Tunnels. Supervise and manage the blue collar workers.

Geographical scope

Sauk, Perak, Malaysia

Key Accountabilities

• Support RDT & Research Trial Execution -
• Engage with the Phytopathology research team to execute the trial sowing and planting.
• Assist the researchers in phenotyping – inoculation, data recording, sampling, harvesting, seed packing, etc.
• Maintain and mass multiply the pathogen & insect cultures in co-ordination with researchers
• Assist in laboratory activities - pathogen culturing, ELISA, and PCR assay as per plan from researchers.
• Manage the agronomy of phytopathology trials
• Prepare agronomy activity plan from pre-sowing operations till trial conclusion for each trial in advance and execute it timely.
• Keep a record of all intercultural operations, and disease and pest management activities in the tunnel and open field trials.
• Arrange for material resources required for crop agronomy in coordination with the facility management team and maintain inventory.
• Report any deviations/abnormalities in trial management to the research team and execute a mitigation plan.
  
  

Manage the blue-collar workers in Phytopathology.

• Plan and coordinate the routine tasks for workers on weekdays and weekends. Monitor the execution closely and guide them as necessary.
• Provide hands-on training to the workers to ensure smooth implementation of agronomy and maintenance of pathogen cultus and trials.
• Manage tasks and develop backup plan in absence of any worker and also during major tasks/activities in tunnels or open field.
• Enhance operational efficiency and quality in task execution of the workers and achieve the deliverables
  
  

Manage maintenance of Phytopathology phenotyping facilities

• Manage the routine maintenance of phytopathology tunnels and open fields on trait evaluation farms.
• Keep all the agronomy related tools, equipment’s and accessories and other material resources in working conditions and do timely maintenance
• Co-ordinate with farm team and manage the Phyto sanitation of all facilities as per SOP.
  
  

Required certifications, knowledge and skills : Graduate/Postgraduate in agronomy/biotech/plant pathology background. Able to work in lab and tunnel/open field conditions.