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Research Technician - Biotechnology (term position)

Lacombe, AB
CA$45,833/year
Mid Level
full_time

Top Benefits

Semi-monthly salary of $2,291.67 per pay period
4% vacation pay

About the role

(Full-time term position to December 31, 2025, with the possibility of extension)

Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is the future of crop innovation in Canada. This federally registered not for profit organization began operations on April 1, 2024. It is carrying on the rich history of the Field Crop Development Centre which has been developing new higher yielding and more climate and disease resistant varieties of cereal grains since 1973 at its lab and research farm in Lacombe, Alberta.

Join our team as a dedicated Research Technician - Biotechnology, where we collaborate closely with breeding, quality, and pathology teams to advance barley and triticale research. We develop and perform diagnostic techniques to identify genes of economic value, monitor pathogens, and support breeding programs through molecular marker development.

This position will conduct genetic experiments, analyze data, and assist in various lab and field tasks. Collaborating across multiple programs, you’ll also contribute to lab safety and process improvements.

Job Type: This is a full-time role (36.25 hrs per week) working onsite until December 31, 2025 with the possibility of extension.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Conduct genetic experiments (e.g., PCR, DNA extraction, sequencing) to generate genotyping data for breeding programs.

  • Perform plant maintenance tasks, including seed planting, phenotyping, sample collection, and harvest.

  • Analyze and document experimental data, compile summaries, and store or submit results to breeders and scientists.

  • Maintain lab equipment, ensure lab safety, order supplies, and perform housekeeping duties.

  • Participate in the WCI safety committee by conducting lab inspections, resolving hazards, and communicating safety concerns.

  • Support seasonal fieldwork for breeding programs, including identifying genetic lines, assisting with planting/harvest, and evaluating plant traits.

  • Collaborate with colleagues on workload management, training seasonal staff, and fulfilling seed requests for external collaborators.

  • Other duties as required.

Experience and qualifications:

  • Sc. in Agriculture, Molecular Biology, Plant Science, Biochemistry, or related field, or a Diploma in Laboratory Research and Biotechnology.

  • 1 year of lab experience with techniques such as PCR, DNA extraction, and sequencing.

  • Strong data analysis and reporting skills.

  • Experience with Microsoft Office and lab software.

  • Fieldwork experience and ability to handle physical tasks.

What we offer:

  • Semi-monthly salary of $2,291.67 per pay period, plus 4% vacation pay

Western Crop Innovations supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

About Western Crop Innovations

Agriculture, Construction, Mining Machinery Manufacturing
11-50

Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is dedicated to developing feed and forage barley, malting barley, and triticale varieties specifically tailored for the Western Prairies. Operating on a core land base of 400 acres in Lacombe, Alberta, our team of researchers is committed to achieving high yields, bolstering disease resistance, and ensuring superior end-use quality characteristics. To accomplish this, we plant, maintain, and evaluate 40,000 plots annually across our facilities in Lacombe and other sites throughout Alberta in our pursuit of the next breakthrough variety. Supported by in-house expertise in pathology, quality, and biotechnology, our breeding program utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as molecular markers and NIR (near-infrared) spectroscopy to efficiently identify the most exceptional materials in our breeding pipelines. Additionally, our pathology team diligently screens over 12,000 breeding lines in disease nurseries annually. At WCI, we’re driven to deliver varieties that not only enhance environmental sustainability but also improve agronomic outcomes for producers.