Associate Seed Lab Operations Specialist (West Lafayette, IN, US) bei Purdue University

Job Summary

The Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) is seeking an Associate Seed Lab Operations Specialist who will be a professional, individual contributor position in a seed testing laboratory.  Under immediate supervision, you will be responsible for conducting noxious, purity, germination, seed counts, and immunoassays tests on seed samples submitted to the laboratory. In addition, you will support the flow of data on seed samples from entry to reporting, evaluating results and providing the supervisor with general recommendations to decide whether further regulatory action is necessary.

This position is required to work toward certification in both purity and germination, with the expectation of taking the exam within two to three years of hire. 

What You'll Be Doing:

• With immediate supervision, determining the content of the samples by quantitative and qualitative analysis, including percentages of pure seed, other crop seed, weed seed, and inert matter along with investigative research of unknown seed kinds
• Actively working toward purity and germination certification
• Collecting and maintaining personal herbarium
• Proficiently interacting with the regulatory software system to determine accuracy of results is necessary
• Interacting with complex digital and analog equipment, calibrating and using multi trait immunoassay guidance to determine inbred genetic traits for regulatory compliance
• Interpreting results and preparing the report under immediate supervision
• Preparing testing media for use with procedures, including folding paper toweling supplies, storing equipment, entering samples, maintaining testing equipment and supplies
• Inventory oversight for seed laboratory testing supplies
• Ensuring safety training and compliance
• Serving on OISC committees, as applicable
• Participating in regular training to update protocols used in the lab and to keep skills updated to meet testing requirements of the lab as well as necessary training for seed analysts
• Participating in all AOSA proficiency testing and referees and webinars 
• Attending seed schools, field days, and industry meetings, as it pertains to the job
• Supporting day-to-day operations of seed lab to include (but not limited to) incoming samples for both regulatory and service samples, data entry, data analysis, reporting, testing, customer service, and accounting
• Supporting customer service for seed and hemp related questions
• Overseeing seed lab accounting, label reviews, and industry education, as necessary
• Ensuring quality control of laboratory is in place and in compliance with federal, state, and university policies and regulations
• Taking part in assessing, developing, and implementing policies, processes and/or procedures concerning the seed lab
• Supporting administrative coordinator with compliance letters, stop sales, USDA violations and communication with the Federal Seed Lab on interstate violations, as well as communication regarding any other programs we participate in

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in a general agricultural field with emphasis on field crops or related fields

• Some laboratory or field-testing experience (undergrad and graduate lab work completed while pursuing a degree will be considered)
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered (Associates + 2 years of experience; HS/GED + 4 years of experience)
• All requirements must be met to be eligible to take the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) germination certification examination within two to three years of hire
• Ability to obtain the minimum number of points necessary to be eligible for the germination certification examination, within two to three years of hire
• Basic awareness of agricultural crops grown in Indiana
• Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail
• Ability to follow a schedule and manage time with supervision
• Willingness to adapt to changes in daily tasks and priorities
• Ability to work well with others and take direction while also completing tasks independently when necessary

What We'd Like You to Know:

• To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary 
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately  
• Purdue University is an EO/EA University.