Starke Ayres is the foremost African specialist and global supplier of premium vegetable, flower and lawn seed varieties – both for commercial and home garden planting. The following position has become available for a Laboratory Technician, for Biotechnology, based in Kempton Park.

Purpose: To aid and undertake routine laboratory and greenhouse tasks in the Research Laboratories in support to all biotechnologists. The purpose of this role is to provide support to the whole Biotechnology team in the labs and greenhouses as they genotype and report various projects

Job Context: Works closely with the Biotechnology Lab Manager, fellow Biotechnologists, and Breeders to prepare samples for DNA extraction so that they may be genotyped, analyzed and reported on.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Label sample plates correctly


• Prepare samples accordingly for DNA extraction. This may include cutting seed, germinating seed, sampling roots or sampling leaves / flesh.


• Use the correct DNA extraction buffer for certain crops and sample types.


• Selecting the correct protocol on the DNA extraction instrument and perform the DNA extraction.


• Operating the DNA extraction instrument.


• Diluting DNA accordingly for certain crops and sample types.


• Maintaining and updating lab journal daily.


• General maintenance of centrifuges, Oktopure, ice machine, pipettes, fridges and freezers and all other lab equipment.


• Organizing SNP markers in freezers.


• Disposal of waste in containers daily and refiling wash containers.


• Store all documents in relevant files daily.


• Interacts appropriately and respectfully with others


• Offers expert service / advice to colleagues.


• Displays a positive attitude towards the company and its goals.


• Develops constructive and co-operative working relationships with team members inside and outside the team.

REQUIREMENTS:

• National Diploma in B Tech / BSc Agric / BSc similar area (essential)


• 1 years experience in Graduate placement or Intern in a molecular biology Lab (essential)


• 1-3 years experience in the Plant genetics or molecular biology (advantage)


• B Tech / BSc / BSc Agric degree (NQF level 7) (advantage)

Skills:

• MS Office and MS Teams


• MS Excel important


• Organizing, executing


• Problem Solving


• DNA extraction


• PCR