Apply on Employer Site

80 Acres Farms · 2 weeks ago

Research Lab Technician

Springdale, AR, US

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$22/hr - $24/hr

80 Acres Farms is a vertical farming leader focused on sustainable food production. The Research Lab Technician will manage laboratory operations, execute assays, and ensure proper sample management to support crop research programs.

AgricultureFarmingOrganic Food

No H1B

Responsibilities

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment

Clean, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment (distillation apparatus, scales, pH meters, etc.)

Manage laboratory supply inventory; communicate restocking needs

Properly store chemicals, reagents, and samples per safety protocols

Dispose of laboratory waste appropriately

Execute distillation protocols for essential oil extraction from fresh, wilted, and dried plant materials (primary focus; expected frequency 2-4 sessions per week once backlog is cleared)

Prepare samples for analysis, ensuring proper labeling and documentation

Prepare culture media and maintain sterile technique for pathogen plating and sample work (ramping up to weekly routine within the first quarter)

Plate samples and perform colony counts on developed plates

Record all data accurately; enter results into designated systems or data sheets

Flag anomalies or unexpected results to the supervising Crop Specialist

Receive, log, and track all samples entering the laboratory

Maintain chain of custody documentation for all samples

Coordinate with Research Technicians and Crop Specialists on sample collection schedules and requirements

Ensure samples are properly stored and organized; manage sample retention and disposal schedules

Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laboratory protocols

Clearly communicate SOPs to relevant team members

Provide feedback on existing protocols; suggest and implement improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, or repeatability

Participate in troubleshooting when protocols do not produce expected results

Work with Crop Specialists to understand trial objectives and sampling requirements

Communicate results, observations, and concerns to the research team in a timely manner

Support Research Technicians with sample collection (harvesting, etc.) when needed

When laboratory workload permits, assist the broader team with general research operations including plant care, irrigation, data entry, and other duties typically performed by Research Technicians 1 and 2

Qualification

Laboratory operationsSample managementAssay executionSterile techniqueDistillation experienceBasic computer proficiencyOrganizational skillsCommunication skillsTeam collaboration