Biological technician

Location: 26 Davis Drive, Durham NC Pay Rate: $24.00/HRThe Biological Technician will work together with a Team Leader and three scientists in the Seed, Soil, & Systemicity team of Global Research Insecticides. The successful candidate will design, develop and conduct whole organism biological assays in the laboratory and greenhouse to characterize experimental insect control agents for their potential to control crop pests, focusing especially on plant systemic properties and efficacy via foliar, soil or seed treatment. The candidate will weigh, formulate, and apply experimental and commercial compounds to insect targets and crops, assess insect behavior, susceptibility, and crop injury following treatment, and analyze data and prepare written formal reports/presentations on experimental procedures and results. The successful candidate must have knowledge and/or experience in most of the following areas: Minimum of an Associate degree in the field of entomology, crop protection, agriculture, biology, toxicology or related disciplinary sciences Must be knowledgeable in the fundamental aspects of experimental design and data analysis Must be willing and able to safely handle and apply chemicals of unknown toxicity Must have the ability and desire to work effectively as both an independent researcher and as a member of a multidisciplinary research team Have good observational skills and maintain meticulous notes and records of research activities for easy reference and validation. Must have solid verbal and written communication skills Must be able to work in lab and greenhouse environments; and be able to lift 15kg (33 lbs.)Must follow all safety policy and rule, work safety practices and job safety analysis. Equipment skills: Microscope, pipettes, scales Computer skills: MS-Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Responsibilities: Responsible for rearing insects in a laboratory setting and maintaining plants in a greenhouse. Rearing responsibilities include preparing rearing materials, transferring and collecting insects, filling in data forms, and cleaning reusable materials. Greenhouse responsibilities involve filling pots, seeding, watering, monitoring plant pests, and discarding unused plant material.