Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Competition ID:

4545

Internal Closing Date:

April 1, 2026

External Closing Date:

April 1, 2026

# of Openings:

1

-Salary Information:

Casual Employee - Hourly Rate

Employment Type:

Temporary Part Time

Workplace Type:

On-Site

Travel Frequency:

Employee Group:

Casual Employee

Days of Work (BCGEU):

Hours of Work (BCGEU):

Hours per Week (BCGEU):

JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION NAME: AGC Student Research Assistant - Horticulture
DEPARTMENT/FACULTY: Applied Genomics Centre
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Casual Employee
DATE REVISED: March 11, 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE This role reports to the Research and Partners Manager, Applied Genomics Centre.

SUMMARY The AGC Student Research Assistant (Horticulture) has a supportive role for research goals of the Applied Genomics Centre (AGC). This is an employment role with the intent of providing learning opportunities and practical training to the individual while they are enrolled as a student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. This individual will support applied research projects under the supervision and direction of the AGC’s senior leadership, and Research Technicians. They will perform field work and maintenance, general laboratory tasks, assist in generating experimental data, and communicate results to AGC members and industry partners.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Engage in hands-on training in proper field and laboratory techniques under the supervision of AGC Senior Leadership, Faculty, and Research Technicians.
Provide research support for the AGC’s senior leadership and research staff.
Assist in gathering and analyzing experimental data in the field and in the lab, as required.
Execute and document field and lab experiments required for research projects, adhering to rigorous scientific protocols.
Contribute to the preparation of research materials, including graphs, charts, reports, and presentations, collaboratively and under the direction of the AGC’s senior leadership.
Perform general lab tasks such as cleaning and organizing lab equipment.
Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS Currently enrolled in an appropriate academic program at KPU.
Successful completion of some foundational courses in applicable Horticulture topics (may include Botany, Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture, Introduction to Plant Materials, Molecular Biology, Plant Health, Data analysis, or others).
A full/ unrestricted driver’s license is required.
Comfortable driving a medium sized pickup truck.
Comfortable with handling and operating field equipment.
Ability to lift upto 30 lbs.
Demonstrated willingness and ability to learn new skills and follow proper field and lab protocols.
Demonstrated excellent oral and written English language skills.
Detail oriented, with excellent organizational and time management skills, and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently or with cross-functional teams.
Ability to use or learn software applications appropriate to field, lab and reporting tasks (i.e. word processing, data base, spreadsheets, statistics, presentations, and equipment-specific software).
Ability to use MS Office suite of tools effectively and to adapt to new technologies that may be introduced.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a culturally diverse environment.
Willingness to adopt the working culture (timekeeping, time management, collegiality, mutual respect, etc.) of the Applied Genomics Centre.

SALARY INFORMATION Anticipated hourly pay rate: $19.71 - $22.08

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

***Note:***Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.