Senior Research Assistants are normally graduate students, or University of Winnipeg undergraduate students, employed to assist in the execution and evaluation of research projects in their area of study. The positions may oversee Research Assistants in areas such as the use of proper techniques, analysis, and documentation.

Senior Research Assistants work under the general supervision or direction of more senior researchers or faculty members, and are expected to exercise judgment in prioritizing, planning and organizing their own work within defined parameters.

Position Overview:

To assist in a project to provide protection to Manitoban crops against fungal pathogens using RNAi technology. Essential genes will be identified in several fungal pathogens for the synthesis of RNAi to down-regulate these genes. RNAi's will be tested on the pathogen and on crop plants for effectiveness.

Duties:

• Literature and database search to locate essential genes.
• PCR to isolate these genes.
• Cloning into RNA production vectors.
• Synthesis and isolation of RNA.
• Transfection of fungal pathogens.
• Growing crop plant seedlings.
• Maintenance of laboratory.
• Inventory and ordering.

Qualifications:

• Microbiology, genetics, molecular genetics, botany courses.
• 4 year BSc. in biology.
• Experience in PCR
• Experience in gene cloning.
• Experience in growing E. coli.
• Experience in growing fungi.
• Experience in DNA sequencing.
• General microbiology lab experience.

Condition(s) of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

The period of work will be from May 25, 2026 - August 28, 2026, and the estimated total hours of work will be 120 hours.

Note*: This position is represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada - Research Capacity Unit.*

Note: The work described in this posting will be conducted remotely.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff and faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research environments, and is essential to academic and institutional excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons to confidentially self-identify at time of application.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to ensuring employment opportunities are accessible for all applicants. If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca.

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