POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated, Plant Cell Biologist with hands-on experience in plant cell and tissue culture and familiarity with molecular biology. The successful candidate will have a practical understanding of plant biotechnology, extensive experience in plant cell/tissue culture/regeneration and be prepared to prosper in a fast paced and result-oriented working environment. The selected candidate will be part of a team that uses cutting-edge technologies to breed new traits into different varieties of fruit trees. The Plant Cell Biologist will be responsible for project planning as well as development and execution of experiments leading to the creation of novel traits in plants, including developing methodology for cell/tissue culture, protoplast culture, embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, plant transformation and cultivation activities to enable Okanagan Specialty Fruits’ Research and Development activities in Saskatoon. Reporting directly to the Director of Research and Regulatory, this position will direct and execute independent projects within the Research and Development Team and interface with colleagues in Marketing and Commercialization groups and external partners to support the Company’s overall goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Be a key member of the research team supporting OSF’s new product development goals by:

• Seeking Knowledge through routine (weekly or monthly) review of scientific literature, including topics such as cell biology, tissue/cell culture, somatic embryogenesis, plant transformation to identify new techniques and strategies to enable OSF to develop improved, minimally impacted fruit tree cultivars (i.e. apple, cherry). Helping to prepare and maintain a literature review of scientific knowledge guiding and supporting our research approach. Continuously improve skills related to work and up to date with the knowledge and techniques by participating in webinars, conferences, workshops, courses and group discussions.

• Contributing to Research Direction by

  participating in informal discussions or formal planning sessions (i.e. annual planning) with the research director, staff members or non-OSF collaborators identified under non-disclosure agreements to improve product development strategies. Preparation for planning sessions may require preparation of concise, referenced written arguments for new strategies, review and Socratic discussion of the benefits of these strategies with the session participants. Contribute to bioinformatics analysis pipeline. Contribute to address regulatory concerns and industry and stakeholder matters as they arise.

• Conducting Experiments in support of the research and development group including routine tissue/cell culture, somatic embryogenesis, and plant regeneration experiments. Development of unique tissue/cell culture strategies to improve our plant regeneration capability.

• Reporting and Communicating Clearly by maintaining accurate and timely documentation of laboratory work including the preparation of lab reports and sharing results (verbal or written) with relevant stakeholders (staff, management or external collaborators) with a level of detail sufficient for the intended audience to perform their duties. Capturing value in a commercial setting may include the development of standard operating procedures to describe key procedures, contributing to the development of regulatory submission or intellectual property submission and potentially the submission of articles for publication.

• Maintaining a Safe Workplace by being a conscientious laboratory citizen, adhere to WHMIS standards, and use knowledge of laboratory procedures to advance projects under rapidly shifting priorities and timelines.

• Performing Other Duties as Assigned

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• The minimum standard is graduation from a recognized university in a field of natural sciences related to the duties of the position, or the employer-approved alternative.

• 5 -7 years of relevant work experience in a product-oriented research and development laboratory.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Inquisitive and sharp mind; demonstrated aptitude for analyzing and interpreting data.

• An inquisitive attitude; a high level of personal initiative; a demonstrated aptitude for analyzing and interpreting data.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to successfully interact with a variety of people on different levels including colleagues and collaborators.

• Proven writing skills: the ability to successfully write and edit professional research documents.

• Sound organizational skills; the ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment; the ability to manage a multi-faceted workload under strict deadlines.

• Flexible work attitude; the ability to work productively in a team environment & independently; the willingness to meet unexpected demands.

• Ability to act with sensitivity and discretion while working with highly confidential information.

• High-level computer skills; internet search engines, statistical analysis (e.g. R, SOFA) MS Word, MS Excel.

WORK CONDITIONS

Concentration

The work requires the employee to manage a number of projects at one time, and stress may be caused by the need to complete tasks within deadlines.

Physical effort

The work requires long hours of sitting using office equipment and computers which can cause muscle strain. There is a minor requirement for lifting moderately heavy objects.

Environment

The employee will work primarily in an office environment where they may have to manage a number of projects at one time and may be interrupted frequently to meet the needs and requests of other employees, colleagues and contractors. The environment can be busy and noisy, so excellent organizational, time and stress management skills are needed to complete the required tasks.

Hazards

The position requires that the employee be conscious of hazards associated with office and laboratory.

Respect of Colleagues

The position involves working with other OSF staff members. At times this may be in close quarters and under their direction. The Employee is expected to be respectful of other workers at all times and to bring any workplace conflicts or tension to the Research Director at the first sign of issues arising.

OSF MISSION STATEMENT

Harnessing excellence in talent, our passion, culture, technology, and innovation, OSF delivers premium quality tree fruit products in the constant pursuit of a healthier, more sustainable world.