Internships

Summary:

The Laboratory and Plant Breeding Intern is responsible for collecting, organizing, and processing plant tissue samples from seed lots which have been subjected to polyploidy-inducing treatments. Using a QuantaCyte flow cytometer, this individual will generate and record data in Excel. In addition to flow cytometry, the Laboratory and Plant Breeding Intern will also gain experience in plant tissue culture. A portion of their time in the lab will be spent preparing tissue culture media, performing micropropagation, and other laboratory-related tasks.

This individual will also have the opportunity to flex into the Plant Breeding department, performing tasks such as manual (hand) pollinations, and pollen and seed collection. 

Primary Responsibilities: Approx. % of time

Flow Cytometry – Ploidy Analysis 60%

• Collect plant tissue samples in the greenhouse/field
• Process plant tissue samples according to pre-established SOPs
• Generate and record flow cytometry data
• Distinguish between conclusive and inconclusive results by evaluating histograms
  
  

Plant Breeding 20%

• Harvest and process pollen
• Execute manual pollinations
• Collect and clean seeds

Tissue Culture 10%

• Make tissue culture media by following recipes
• Perform micropropagation of tissue cultures
• Clean and organize glassware

Additional Responsibilities:

• Performs other related duties as required.
• Follow Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Employee Handbook
• Follow Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Safety Handbook.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Pursuing an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a plant science-related field or have 1-2 years or related work experience. Must be able to follow written instructions for laboratory procedures (SOPs). Must possess a high attention to detail as well as proficiency in operating basic laboratory tools such as digital scales and pipettes. Strong computer skills are required for data entry into Excel and navigation of CyPad programming. Ideal candidates will be self-motivated, hard-working, and passionate about plant research and breeding.
• Must possess the ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move 20 pounds.

Performance Requirements:

• Must maintain a level of performance equivalent to company standards, that being a “Meets Expectations” in all areas of your performance evaluations (including but not limited to, Self and Management reviews).

*The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.