Research Associate

Tissue Culture and Compliance Research Associate - Tissue Culture Division (Citrus Focus)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Tissue Culture and Compliance Research Associate supports Magnolia Gardens' Tissue Culture Division with a focus on Citrus micropropagation, clean-stock maintenance, regulatory documentation, and audit readiness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Citrus Tissue Culture Operations
• Perform initiation, multiplication, rooting, and subculturing following SOPs.
• Prepare media accurately; verify pH, sterility, and batch logs.
• Maintain genotype traceability; label all cultures correctly.
• Monitor culture vigor and morphology; report abnormalities.
• Support transition of in vitro Citrus to acclimatization areas.

2. Contamination Control & Clean-Stock Quality
• Maintain aseptic technique in laminar flow hoods.
• Document contamination frequency and type; support CAPA actions.
• Maintain hood cleaning logs and equipment sterilization schedules.

3. Data Integrity & Documentation
• Record all actions (initiation, subculture, transfer, discard).
• Maintain genotype and indexing data for all Citrus accessions.
• Enter multiplication, rooting, and contamination metrics.

4. Compliance & Regulatory Support
• Follow Citrus clean-stock SOPs and quarantine procedures.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for TDA/USDA/APHIS compliance.
• Participate in internal audits and regulatory inspections.

5. Lab Maintenance, Safety & Continuous Improvement
• Maintain clean, organized workspaces.
• Conduct routine equipment checks.
• Follow PPE and chemical safety procedures.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Horticulture, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Minimum 1 year plant tissue culture experience.
• Strong aseptic technique and SOP adherence.
• Accurate recordkeeping and traceability discipline.
• Basic spreadsheet and data entry skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with Citrus or woody perennial TC.
• Familiarity with disease-indexed clean-stock systems.
• Exposure to GMP/GEP environments.
• Audit or regulatory experience.
• Basic statistics skills; ELN/LIMS familiarity.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
• Tissue culture initiation, multiplication, rooting, and media prep.
• Aseptic technique and contamination identification.
• ALCOA-aligned documentation.
• Basic analytics and digital record systems.

COMPLIANCE DUTIES
• Complete traceability for all Citrus accessions.
• Document every plant movement and culture action.
• Maintain inspection-ready logs and participate in CAPA processes.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Work seated/standing at a hood for extended periods.
• Fine motor dexterity for explant handling.
• Lift up to 25 lbs.
• Work in controlled lab and occasional greenhouse environments.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

Reports to Corporate Director: Science & Technology.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Submit resume and cover letter with subject:

"Tissue Culture and Compliance Research Associate - Citrus."

EEO Statement: Magnolia Gardens Nursery provides equal opportunity in all our employment practices to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including but not limited to recruiting, testing, hiring, promoting, demoting, transferring, laying off, terminating, compensation, benefits, disciplinary action, return from layoff, training, and social and recreational programs. All employment decisions will be made without unlawfully discriminating on any prohibited basis. It is the responsibility of all employees to support the concept of equal employment opportunity and to assist the Company in meetings its objectives.