Laboratory Technician - Food Microbiology

Ontario University Athletics; Guelph; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Guelph is seeking a Laboratory Technician specialized in Food Microbiology. The successful candidate will conduct complex microbial tests on food, water, and environmental samples, ensuring adherence to laboratory safety protocols and quality assurance standards. Candidates should have a two-year diploma in Microbiology and demonstrated laboratory experience. The role offers 35 hours of work per week with a focus on client service and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Two-year community college program in Microbiology, BSc preferred.
• Up to 24 months of laboratory experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience in ISO 17025 accredited microbiology laboratory.
• Conducting complex microbiological testing on pathogens and matrices.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex and routine laboratory testing for microbial pathogens.
• Operate microbiological testing instruments effectively.
• Prepare controls, media, standards and ensure laboratory safety.

Skills

Microbiological testing

Client service skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Education

Two-year community college program in Microbiology

BSc in Microbiology

Tools

LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)

Job description

Overview

Laboratory Technician - Food Microbiology

Location: Guelph, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: Laboratory Services Division

Requisition ID: 1821

Department: LSD Agriculture and Food Laboratory
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Temporary full-time from 10/06/2025 to 11/03/2026
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

The Food Microbiology Section, Agriculture & Food Laboratory, Laboratory Services Division provides analytical services in food, water and environmental microbiology, microbial challenge studies, method evaluation and other special projects, to provincial and federal governmental agencies, academic institutions, and private clients in the agriculture and food industry. The Food Microbiology section is seeking an individual to perform highly technical and complex microbial tests for food, water and environmental samples.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary duties include: performing complex and routine laboratory testing for microbial pathogens and indicators according to appropriate analytical testing procedures; operating microbiological testing instruments; interpreting complex laboratory test results; operating Laboratory Information Management system (LIMS); preparing controls, media, standards and other solutions; ensuring laboratory safety protocols are followed; contributing to investigative studies and improvement of lab operations; other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Two-year community college program in Microbiology, BSc preferred
• Up to and including 24 months of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated experience within an ISO 17025 accredited microbiology laboratory
• Demonstrated experience conducting complex and routine microbiological testing on various pathogens, indicator organisms and matrices (food, environmental and water samples)
• Proven ability to work independently and to set/meet priorities within a client-focused, time-sensitive work environment
• Demonstrated interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively work with others within a busy team environment
• Excellent client service skills and experience communicating frequently and directly with clients
• Excellent conflict resolution, trouble-shooting and problem-solving skills
• Thorough understanding of QA/QC requirements, laboratory safety practices and WHMIS as applied within a microbiology laboratory environment.

Hours

Hours of work are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, and/or Tuesday to Saturday, with scheduled start times between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Hours of work can change based on operational requirements.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 09/30/2025

Closing Date: 10/07/2025