Plant Growth Specialist, Plant Growth and Phenotyping Team Company Description Solis Agrosciences is the trusted partner for high-quality AgTech research services located in the 39 North Ag Biotech district of St. Louis, Missouri. Our highly trained and industry-experienced scientists generate gene-edited and transgenic crops, plant phenotype and efficacy data, and individually tailored research solutions for our startup and corporate customers. Role Description Solis is looking for a Plant Growth Specialist who wants to develop into an exceptional R&D grower. This is an opportunity for someone early in their career who loves plants, wants to understand how and why they grow, and is eager to work alongside seasoned professionals who can help them develop the technical skills, judgment, and experience required to manage plants in a research environment. We are currently seeking a qualified candidate to join our Plant Growth and Phenotyping team as a Plant Growth Specialist. The successful candidate will be experienced in routine techniques and technologies used in propagating and sampling plants of various species.
Responsibilities:
Provide daily care for diverse research crops, including soybean, corn, tomato, Arabidopsis, and other species. Activities include planting, irrigation, fertilization, transplanting, pruning, staking, spacing, pollination/crossing, tissue sampling, harvesting, and seed production. Monitor plants closely and learn to read what the plants are telling you, including water and nutrient needs, developmental changes, and signs of biotic or abiotic stress. Monitor greenhouse environmental conditions and develop an understanding of how temperature, humidity, light, irrigation, nutrition, and other factors influence plant growth and experimental outcomes. Routinely scout for pests and disease and participate in integrated pest management activities. Identify problems early, think critically about potential causes and solutions, communicate concerns, and take action before plant health or research is compromised. Execute research protocols and SOPs accurately and consistently, including time-sensitive activities that must occur within specific biological or experimental windows. Support experimental setup, plant production, phenotyping, crossing, tissue sampling, seed collection, harvest, and other research activities. Maintain accurate plant identification and detailed, organized records of experimental activities, observations, project data, and regulated plant materials. Safely and appropriately handle regulated plant material and research crops and follow all applicable safety, compliance, and documentation requirements. Take ownership of assigned responsibilities and complete work independently once trained. Provide daily communication on progress, including work completed, plant observations, problems identified, actions taken, and outstanding priorities. Identify any opportunities to improve growing practices, workflows, and operational efficiency while maintaining plant quality and experimental integrity. Maintain clean, organized, and safe greenhouse, laboratory, and work areas. Participate in rotational weekend plant care and other time-sensitive greenhouse responsibilities. Physical & Work Environment Requirements This is a hands-on position in an active research greenhouse and requires the ability to: Work in hot and humid greenhouse environments, with temperatures that may reach 95°F. Work on your feet for prolonged periods and walk extensively throughout a large growing facility. Lift and move soil, waste bags, plants, greenhouse supplies, and other materials. Push and maneuver carts and cumbersome equipment, including on ramps and through narrow aisles. Frequently bend, reach, twist, and maneuver hoses and other greenhouse equipment. Repetitively operate watering nozzles, hand tools, and other equipment. Perform fine hand movements required for activities such as pollination, tissue sampling, irrigation assembly, staking, tying, labeling, and plant manipulation. Safely work in narrow aisles, enclosed growing spaces, and other greenhouse and laboratory environments.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Horticulture, Plant Biology, Biotechnology, etc.) with 0- 2 years relevant experience OR equivalent combination of relevant education and experience Demonstrated experience in plant growth practices (in field, greenhouse, and growth chamber environments) Knowledge of and experience with general indoor growing and laboratory best practices Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of experimental data and procedures Excellent communication skills, both written and oral Ability to function both independently and as a part of a team under tight timelines in a fast-paced environment Demonstrates a high level of attention to detail and precision Ability to work rotational weekend and holidays Valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in an ag biotech industry setting, preferably in a greenhouse Experience in propagation of corn and soybean, preferably in a greenhouse Highly agile and able to multitask, change course or take on new assignments as needed to meet timelines and deliver results Familiarity with project management tools such as Smartsheet and electronic laboratory data management software such as
ELN and LIMS Pay:
$15.00 - $20.00 per hour Expected hours: 20.0 - 29.0 per week
