Research Assistant

Research Assistant Position

Illinois Foundation Seeds Inc. (IFSI) is seeking a highly motivated research professional to assist the sweet corn, carrot, table beet, and chard research programs in the breeding, evaluation, and development of superior germplasm for use in vegetable seed markets worldwide. IFSI is an independent company delivering the leading research, product development, licensing, and production for the seed industry's vegetable and field crops. Our core values: Integrity, Excellence, Dedication, Collaboration, and Drive are the foundations of our success. We seek a Research Assistant who embodies and upholds these values in their daily work. At IFSI our brand purpose is "Growing Together." We believe in fostering growth not only in our research programs but also in our relationships, knowledge, and a sustainable future. This purpose drives our commitment to our customers, partners, team members, and the environment. Creates collaborative efforts that benefit everyone involved.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead activities related to variety testing, including coordinating testing sites, seed preparation, inventory management, planting, plot maintenance, and data collection
• Organize the planning of breeding nurseries and trials
• Coordinate field management of nurseries and trials with third party cooperators
• Assist in leadership of pollination, tissue sampling, data collection, and disease inoculation in breeding nurseries
• Lead nursery harvest, drying, shelling, and treating of resulting seed
• Collect, summarize, and disseminate data for relevant traits in breeding nurseries and hybrid trials
• Lead part-time and seasonal labor daily to accomplish goals of the research program
• Execute research project protocols, generate high quality data, and assist in interpretation and communication of results
• Assist maintenance and repair of research equipment and research facilities
• Coordinate shipment of seed samples for internal and external destinations
• Ensure all tasks are completed in a safe, accurate, and efficient manner and lead process improvement in these areas
• Gain and apply industry and small plot research experience

Qualifications/Knowledge Needed:

• B.S. or A.S. Degree with equivalent experience in Horticulture, Crop Science, Agronomy, or related field
• Ability to operate and assist in the maintenance of basic farm equipment
• Ability to obtain and maintain pesticide applicators license
• Excellent computer skills for data acquisition and reporting
• Demonstrates high attention to detail and accuracy in all activities
• Effective analysis and interpretation of data
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Demonstrates strong ability to work independently along with good team leadership and management skills
• Ability to travel to contra-season nursery locations as well as various hybrid trial testing locations
• Capable of working in greenhouse conditions or fields during periods of high heat, humidity, and rain
• Ability to lift 75 lbs.

Benefits:

• Employees can expect to be paid between $22.00 to $27.00 per hour
• Additional compensation may include a bonus (if relevant)
• This salary range is merely an estimate and may vary based on market data/ranges, an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors
• Additional benefits include health care, vision, dental, life, STD, LTD, retirement, PTO etc.

Reporting: This position reports directly to the Research Station Manager. IFSI is an equal opportunity employer.