Ohalo is seeking a research associate to lead plant pathology efforts to support crop breeding programs, aiming to innovate and grow professionally in a fast-paced, high-impact startup environment. The role is critical for executing groundbreaking breeding platforms by leading the sourcing and maintenance of pathogen-free plant stock to enable revolutionary gains in crop yield and breeding efficiency.
Requirements
- experience evaluating disease symptomology in a variety of settings
- 3+ years experience in a pathology-focused role with diagnostic experience
- Experience with aseptic and molecular biology techniques
- Familiarity with microbial community sequencing methods and interpretation
- Experience conducting disease resistance phenotyping assays in the growth chamber, greenhouse, and/or field and using statistical analysis to drive decisions
Responsibilities
- Conducts diagnostic assays including culturing of plant pathogens and identification via morphological characteristics, ELISA, PCR and RT-PCR
- Works closely with crop breeders and TC team to quarantine incoming material germplasm and ensure plant material is free of diseases before entering Ohalo’s breeding program
- Conducts routine scouting of plant material in the greenhouse and field
- Works closely with the greenhouse team to monitor pest pressure and conducts diagnostic assays as needed
- Proactively communicates with breeders and technical program managers to plan testing and certification of material being sent to collaborators
- Communicates diagnostic results to technical program managers and breeders, compiles diagnostic reports for managers and collaborators
- Works with breeders and breeding research associates to organize, execute, and analyze data from disease phenotyping experiments
Other
- Masters degree in plant pathology
- Ability to effectively communicate phytosanitary practices in field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings to broad audiences
- Meticulous approach to planning with failsafes to prevent pitfalls
- Must be detail-oriented, well-organized, and good at record keeping
- Positive attitude and good interpersonal skills
