Seed Lab Technician (Entry Level, Life Sciences)
The R&D Seed Technician supports global seed research and development by performing seed processing, quality control, and packaging tasks in a fast-paced, FDA-regulated manufacturing environment. This role involves operating automated equipment, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards, and collaborating across departments to maintain efficient seed production and distribution.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Job Overview
This contract, entry-level Seed Lab Technician role supports R&D seed work and quality functions in a fast-paced, climate-controlled manufacturing environment. You will handle seed intake, quality testing, labeling and packaging support, operate automated equipment, and follow regulated procedures and GMP standards on-site in Whitestown, IN. The role pays $23.00/hr.
Primary Responsibilities
- Operate research and seed-handling equipment; take clear, accurate notes and record data.
- Receive, scan, clean, treat, sort, count, label, and ship seed and related materials.
- Perform routine quality tests (approximately 4+ hours per shift) and document results.
- Maintain and support source handling, filling, and automated cassette-loading processes.
- Assist labeling, packaging, and production teams as needed; cross-train between groups.
- Conduct routine audits, process validations, and corrective actions to maintain quality standards.
- Follow regulated seed stewardship and permit conditions; complete safety trainings and inspections.
- Prioritize safety and GMP compliance in all warehouse/lab operations.
- Lift and move up to 50 lbs as required; work extended or second-shift hours during peak season.
- Troubleshoot and resolve quality issues to keep seed flows moving into production.
Essential Skills
- Experience with quality control, labeling, inventory, packaging, automation support, production, or warehouse operations.
- Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform repetitive, detail-oriented station work.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- High school diploma required.
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environmental science, biology, chemistry, or another STEM field is highly preferred.
- 1–2+ years of relevant experience (agriculture, environmental science, quality, GMP). A 4-year STEM degree may substitute for experience.
- Flexibility to work second shift during busy season as needed.
Work Environment
This is a fully onsite position in a climate-controlled, FDA-regulated manufacturing and research environment. You will work with automated equipment and gain hands-on experience in agriculture, manufacturing, R&D, automation, operations, and quality assurance.
Job Type & Location
This is a contract position, fully onsite in Whitestown, IN.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay: $23.00 per hour.
- Individual compensation within the posted range will depend on qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors.
- If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include medical, dental, and vision; 401(k); voluntary life and AD&D; short- and long-term disability; HSA; transportation benefits; employee assistance program; and paid time off (subject to eligibility and plan terms).
Accommodation & Hiring Notes
Careertakes and our client provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please notify the recruiter or hiring contact. Our client may use AI-assisted tools to help with application review or resume screening; these tools do not replace human decision-making.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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