Institute for Sustainable Horticulture Research Assistant Pool - Competition ID: 4797

Job summary

Research assistants will conduct greenhouse and laboratory trials involving biocontrols, biostimulants, and beneficial microbes. They are also responsible for maintaining crops, collecting and processing soil samples, and performing data analysis for research projects.

Job details

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: 4797 Internal Closing Date: October 2, 2026 External Closing Date: October 2, 2026 # of Openings: 5 Salary Information: Casual Employee - Hourly Rate Employment Type: Temporary Full Time Workplace Type: On-Site Travel Frequency: Occasional travel between campuses is required. Employee Group: Casual Employee Days of Work (BCGEU): Hours of Work (BCGEU): Hours per Week (BCGEU): ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Research Assistants report to The Director, and various project leaders involved in research with the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture. Summary The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture partners with agricultural and agri-technology companies in our region to support innovation with research and development projects that promote sustainability in the sector. Current projects include developing microbial biocontrol products for pests and diseases, natural soil amendments and inoculants, biofertilizers, agritech applications, alternate growing systems, and soil microbial health. Work hours and start dates are dependent on external research grants and can be either part-time or full-time. Key Responsibilities Greenhouse and growth chamber plant trials with biostimulants, biocontrols Laboratory trials with beneficial microbes involving sterile technique, monitoring growth and interactions Maintaining greenhouse crops, transplanting, pruning, harvesting, IPM scouting, releasing bios, cleaning pots, and general greenhouse support Soil sample collecting and processing Support field trials off site Collect, record and analyze data, assist with data interpretation and contemplate what, why and how Other duties as assigned Qualifications These positions are suitable for students and new graduates with interest in biocontrol and horticulture, e.g. Horticulture Diploma, Plant Health Degree. The work requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to stay focused when performing repeated tasks. Some positions require travel between KPU and field sites. SALARY INFORMATION Anticipated hourly pay rate: $21.00 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.

What you’ll do

Research assistants will conduct greenhouse and laboratory trials involving biocontrols, biostimulants, and beneficial microbes. They are also responsible for maintaining crops, collecting and processing soil samples, and performing data analysis for research projects.

Requirements

The position is suitable for students and new graduates with a background in horticulture or plant health. Candidates must possess strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain focus while performing repetitive tasks.

Benefits

• 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

Listed skills

• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Horticulture
• Biocontrol
• Greenhouse management
• Laboratory trials
• Sterile technique
• IPM scouting
• Soil sampling
• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Plant health
• Attention to detail
• Field trials
• Transplanting
• Pruning
• Harvesting

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Agriculture
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Education