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• Molecular Lab Tech

  Title:  Molecular Lab Tech
  Salary: $15.00 to $20.00 depending on experience.
  Work Week :   Approximately 20-30 hours a week.
  To apply: send resume to: Dr. Choaa El-Mohtar mohtarc@ufl.edu
  Job Description: OPS – Molecular Laboratory Technician

  Our research laboratory located in Lake Alfred Florida has a part-time position for a qualified individual to assist with support activities for research staff conducting experiments related to the study of Citrus greening disease (HLB). We are working to develop and deploy CTV infectious clones to mitigate the HLB effect on citrus production.

  An ideal candidate will have several years experience  and coursework in microbiology, virology, plant pathology or related field. Advanced degree is a plus. Laboratory experience can substitute for degree.

  Desired skills include experience with major molecular biology protocols including any of the following:

  • Northern and Western blotting
  • DNA /RNA extraction and agarose gel analysis of DNA/RNA samples cloning techniques
  • Real-time qPCR and RT-PCR assays
  • Sequencing analysis
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbebt assay (ELISA)
  • Inoculation of plants with pathogens
  • Preparation of various media and solutions
  • Experience with Confocal microscopy is a plus
• Greenhouse Tech

  Title: OPS – Greenhouse Tech

  Our research program, located in Lake Alfred Florida, has a part-time OPS position for
  Greenhouse work. An ideal candidate will have experience working in a greenhouse or plant
  nursery.

  Duties include:

  • Hand watering and fertigation of citrus and tobacco plants.
  • Safe operation of gator/golf cart for transferring racks of plants between growth rooms, grafting
  • areas and greenhouses.
  • Scout for insect pests; manually remove snowscale and mealy bugs as needed.
  • Occasional trimming of small citrus seedlings.
  • Repotting citrus plants.
  • Safe operation of a soil sterilizer for sterilizing potting soil.
  • Planting tobacco seedlings.
  • Washing citrus pots for reuse.
  • Cleaning and maintaining an orderly greenhouse and plant lab work area.
  • Must be able to work in varied weather conditions including heat and rain.
  • Training provided for proper disposal of CTV and HLB-infected plant material.
  • Experience working with plants in a greenhouse/nursery environment preferred.
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 lb. bags of soil, fertilizer and lime.
  • Willingness to work an occasional weekend day for a few hours.

  Hours:  8:00 am to 12:00 pm with some flexibility.
  Rate of Pay:  $12 - $15, depending on experience.

  Applicants should email Dr. Choaa El-Mohtar at mohtarc@ufl.edu.