InnovPP074/2024 - Laboratory Technician - Collaborative Laboratory " – Association"

We are looking for a proactive and resourceful candidate to integrate into an ambitious organization that develops innovative products and services to protect crops against pests and diseases.

The candidate will develop molecular tools for services in the areas of molecular detection of crop pathogens and microbiome analysis.

It must have at least three years of proven hands-on experience in the areas of Molecular Biology, Microbial Genomics or Plant Biotechnology.

Main responsibilities
The candidate will report directly to the Directors of the Departments of "New Biopesticides" and "Data Management & Risk Analysis" and have the following responsibilities:

• Actively develop and implement wet-lab protocols in the following areas: DNA/RNA extractions from different sample types; molecular detection of plant pathogens (e.g. LAMP, PCR, qPCR); microbiome and plant identification and characterization through molecular markers and high-throughput sequencing methods.
• Thoroughly document the work according to InPP ́s established procedures.
• Write technical documents (e.g. Standard Operating Procedures; Reports).
• Work across departments and in a multidisciplinary team.
• Contact clients and provide budgets on requested services.

Essential requirements

• Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Microbial Genomics, Microbiology or Plant Biotechnology or other with similar curriculum (for candidates whose MSc was obtained in a foreign university, the approval of level recognition must be included in the application).
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience working in a molecular biology laboratory.

Experience with at least two of the following:
a)Development of molecular methods for detection of specific markers using PCR-based methodologies;
b)Implementation and development of DNA extraction protocols for diverse sample types (e.g. different crops, soils, water, microorganisms);
c)Nanopore sequencing (e.g. library preparation; instrument use/data extraction; protocol development).

• Able to work independently, while enjoying working as a member of multidisciplinary, project-oriented teams.
• Highly organised, focused and with strong attention to detail.
• Open minded and with a strong aptitude for learning and developing new methods.
• Good communication skills with both scientific and non-scientific staff.
• Fluency in Portuguese and English, spoken and written.

Ideal requirements

Skills on the following are an advantage, but not essential:

• Experience in plant-microbe interactions.
• Familiar with bioinformatics methods for microbiome analysis.
• Previous work in an agricultural and/or forestry context, with contact with multiple stakeholders (e.g. researchers and farmers).

InnovPlantProtect is a private non-profit association
InnovPlantProtect aims to create innovation for the protection of crops, seeds and post-harvest products through:
Development of innovative technologies and knowledge creation, as well as improvement of existing technologies for crop protection;
Applied scientific research to create novel intellectual property developed technologies in the market, and to develop processes and products;
Provide technical support to public or private companies and entities, assisting them in the introduction of biotechnological strategies, methods and processes, and in the orientation and implementation of industrial research and development, directed towards the protection of crops, seeds and post-harvest products;
Collaboration with (inter)national public and/or private institutions, in their areas of activity.

Workplace

The work location will be at the headquarters of InnovPlantProtect in Elvas, situated in INIAV, at the former National Plant Breeding Station.

Salary and contract

A full-time contract, expected to start on 3rd June, 2024 will continue until 31st December, 2025 with a trial period of one month.

The contract may be renewed annually for a further one year depending on performance and further financial support. All the activities to be developed will be subject to confidentiality clauses. Gross remuneration will depend on experience, starting from €1.559,00 (14 months – €21.826,00/year), plus €6 for daily lunch subsidy.

Financial Support
This contract is defined and financed by Investment RE-C05-i02 – "Missão Interface", referring to Advise n. o 01/C05-i02/2022, within the scope of the Recovery and Resilience Plan "Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência" (PRR).

How to Apply
To the care of the Chief Executive Officer of InnovPlantProtect Collaborative Lab, Professor Pedro Fevereiro ).

To apply for this position, the following documents should be sent in a single PDF document with the reference "InnovPP074/2024" in the subject:
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Motivation letter
Two reference contacts
Statement of honour that CV content is accurate.
(Please note that Degrees obtained in foreign countries need a Portuguese Recognition issued by a Portuguese high degree Institution, according to the Decree-Law nr. 66/2018, of August 16th and the Ministerial Order nr. 33/2019, of January 25th. The presentation of such Recognition is mandatory for contract signature.

More information can be obtained in:
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Deadlines
This call is open from April 18th to May 5th, 2024, with a decision expected by May 24th.

General rules of data protection (GDPR)

With the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 April 2016, commonly known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and in order to ensure a fair and transparent treatment of the holder of the data, InnovPlantProtect informs that by applying for this position you are authorizing InnovPlantProtect to (1) collect and process your personal data deemed necessary and relevant to this recruitment process, (2) to disclose the results of the evaluation in accordance with the legislation in force.

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