BUSINESS CONTEXT

Plant Path is a new commercial agricultural company with a quality lab, breeding program, agronomy program, and field trials located in North Carolina. The company improves food crops to satisfy the needs of growers, processors, and consumers. Plant Path is a science and technology company built around stevia breeding and genetics through a history with the crop that dates to 2014.
Plant Path’s goal is to improve the lives of billions of people each year through its crops, while making a significant contribution to improve the environment. By bringing the best crop improvement science and technology forward, improved stevia will bring value in new regions where it is grown and through the health benefits associated with reduced sugar consumption. As an employer, Plant Path operates with the highest standards of ethics. If you come to work for us, you will be respected and valued for your individual skills and contributions and have a voice in the ultimate success of the company.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a molecular biology or chemistry-related field, or equivalent work experience in a relevant field preferred.
• 1-2 years’ experience working in a molecular biology or chemistry related wet lab.
• Familiarity with analytical balances, sonication, centrifugation, and vortexing is preferred.
• Attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate records.
• Beginner to intermediate use of Excel.
• Computer skills required; experience with tablets, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office is preferred.
• High level of integrity and work ethics.
• Ability to complete solo tasks as well as collaborating with colleagues in a team environment.
• Maintain a positive attitude, and drive for results in every situation.
• Ability to work effectively in a constantly changing and fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to learn and aptitude to ask questions.
• Comfortable with highly repetitive tasks in a sometimes isolated and minimally social environment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS

• Position is based in Durham, NC in the Research Triangle Park area.
• Must be comfortable with being on your feet for long periods of time.
• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Lab Technician supports the Plant Path Analytical Chemistry Lab in the overall execution of the analytical platform for product characterization and quality and trait discovery/validation. The main responsibility is the flawless execution of lab-based research activities to chemically profile and ensure the quality of our world-leading stevia varieties. This is a dynamic role which requires excellent time management, problem solving, attention to detail, and communication skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work weekdays, 20-30 hours per week with a team of R&D scientists (3-4 days a week). Overtime during periods of peak activity is required. Infrequent weekend and holiday work may be required.
• Time of employment is early-to-mid September 2025 until late December 2025 with possibility of extension.
• Extract stevia leaf samples, prepare samples for HPLC analysis, and collect data in lab experiments.
• Organize sample records.
• Follow chemical hygiene plan (lab safety, chemical disposal, upkeep chemical inventory).
• Comply with local health, safety, and environment requirements, including but not limited to prevention, incident reporting, and remedial actions.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and promptly report challenges with lab operations while proactively identifying potential solutions.
• Continuously propose options for improving efficiency and quality of lab operations, including efficiencies in processes, techniques, and flow.
• Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for research operations.
• Adapt to changes in workflows to maintain overall productivity.
• Arrive to work on time and communicate regularly with Chemist and other lab staff.