QA Associate at United Genetics Seeds Co. – Hollister, California

About United Genetics

United Genetics was founded in 1990 with headquarters in Hollister, California. What began as a family-owned seed company grew into an international vegetable seed organization with subsidiaries in Italy, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, India, and Jordan.

United Genetics proudly offers top quality processing tomato, fresh market tomato, hot pepper, sweet pepper, watermelon, melon, squash, and cucumbers seed, among others. We focus on the needs of diverse customers along the vegetable supply chain, thinking of the grower by securing the versatility and robustness of the product performance, and the consumer, by focusing on the physical appeal, nutritional value and the taste of the outcome of our genetics.

Benefits Summary:

We are proud to offer a well-rounded benefits package designed to support the physical, financial, and personal well-being of our employees. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. Vester and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). 401K with company matching, Life insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid holidays.

JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

The Quality Associate Seed Health plays a critical role in ensuring the phytosanitary quality of vegetable seed lots. By supporting diagnostic testing, method development, and seedborne pathogen research for a variety of crops, including cucurbits, tomato and pepper. This position will perform Seed and Plant Health laboratory and greenhouse protocols, monitor seed sample collection in the warehouse, prepare data and communicate test results. This position contributes to maintaining high-quality standards, safeguarding seed movement, and enabling product reliability for growers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform Seed and Plant Health protocols using techniques such as qPCR, RT-qPCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA and RNA extraction, ELISA. All protocols performed at USDA/NSHS standards.
• Monitor Seed Health sample collection in the warehouse, responsible for the Phyto sanitation workflow to be in compliance with USDA/NSHS.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records documenting all experimental procedures, results, and observations. Ensure all procedures are formally reviewed and documented at least every six months in accordance with USDA and NSHS accreditation requirements.
• Assist with sample preparation, pathogen isolation, and the maintenance of laboratory cultures in accordance with established protocols and biosafety standards.
• Prepare, label, and manage samples, reagents, and laboratory equipment.
• Assist in method development and validation for new diagnosis and seed health protocols.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in the lab.
• Manage and track inventory for lab supplies and materials.
• Collaborate with breeding, seed production, quality teams and lab members to support ongoing research projects. and lab members to support ongoing research projects.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports and presentations.
• Conducts seed–pathogen interaction studies and support seed sanitation research.
• Maintain GLP/GMP standards, equipment, and accurate documentation.
• Compliance with health and safety standards, programs and industry codes in accordance with federal, county and state agencies (CCR Title 8, EPA, RCRA, CERCLA, NFPA, and FDA) and regulations. Follow control measures for exposure to hazardous materials or conditions.
• Perform other duties as assign.

JOB POSITION DIMENSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education Level and Focus:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, Genetics, Plant Science, or related field (or equivalent experience) or +5 years’ experience in Seed Health Laboratory.

Skills and Abilities:

Interpersonal and Communication: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and always maintaining them. The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person and to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Technical and Analytical:

Keeping track of record generated by other departments Efficiently conducting routine analysis and troubleshooting Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook. Knowledge, skills, abilities and others in molecular biology experiments (PCR, qPCR, electrophoresis...etc.). Basic Knowledge in statistics. Ability to learn and understand new technologies related to this job Ability to interpret data and make quick decisions. Experience with molecular techniques, such as PCR, DNA extraction, and electrophoresis.

Physical Demands:

Deal calmly and effectively in a seasonally demanding work environment. Working flexible hours or overtime on short notice may be required. Must be able to work in the office and fields/greenhouses under various ambient conditions, particularly reduced air-quality and in periods of high temperatures possible exceeding 100 degrees F. Must be physically fit to walk, bend, kneel, squat, bend your neck and lift up to 40 lbs.

Work Environment:

Office, outdoors, cages and greenhouses work with temperatures close to 100 degrees, walk on uneven surface and often be exposed to chemicals.