Plant Pathologist

Organigram Global; City of Moncton; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Organigram Global in Moncton, NB, seeks a Plant Pathologist to lead disease monitoring, prevention, and research within a controlled environment cultivation system.

Reporting to Senior Manager Plant Science, you will oversee microbial dynamics, pest management, and the development of disease-resistant cultivars in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

This role focuses on microbiology, IPM, and genetics work across multiple cultivation locations to maintain crop health and quality.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Plant Pathology, Plant Biology, Microbiology, or related field.
• 1–2 years of relevant experience, including field work during graduate studies.
• Experience with plant disease diagnostics and microbial identification techniques.
• Familiarity with IPM strategies in controlled environments.
• Strong data analysis and cross-functional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct microbial identification in flower products to ensure quality and compliance.
• Analyze microbial populations across locations and environments.
• Track microbial trends over the flowering cycle.
• Partner with QA to develop microbial trend reporting and risk factors.
• Design and optimize IPM strategies with cultivation teams.
• Investigate causes of plant stress and diagnose biotic/abiotic factors.
• Lead HLVd testing strategy and study transmission pathways.
• Collaborate with biotech/breeding teams on resistance strategies.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with Cultivation, QA, Biotech.

Skills

Plant pathology

Microbiology

IPM

Data analysis

Cross-functional communication

Education

PhD in Plant Pathology

MSc in Plant Biology or Microbiology

Tools

PCR-based detection

Molecular diagnostics

Job description

Who we are

Organigram Global is a leading Canadian licensed producer shaping the future of cannabis through innovation, operational excellence, and a growing international presence. Founded in 2013 as a medical cannabis provider, we have evolved into one of Canada’s most trusted names in the adult-use recreational market, home to some of the country’s top-performing brands including SHRED, Boxhot, Big Bag o’ Buds, Edison, Monjour, Debunk, Rizzlers, and Trailblazer.

Our operations span four provinces, purpose-built to lead across multiple product formats:

• Moncton, New Brunswick: Centre of excellence for indoor cannabis cultivation, R&D, and advanced automation.
• Lac‑Supérieur, Quebec: Focused on premium flower and traditional hash production.
• Winnipeg, Manitoba: Highly automated facility dedicated to edibles and beverage manufacturing.
• Aylmer, Ontario: Specializes in infused pre‑roll production and automated vape filling.
• London, Ontario: Strategic hub for packaging and distribution across all product lines.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Plant Pathologist to lead disease monitoring, prevention, and research initiatives within a controlled environment cultivation system. Reporting to the Senior Manager Plant Science, this role will focus on microbial dynamics, pest and pathogen management, and the development of disease‑resistant cultivars in collaboration with cross‑functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Disease Monitoring & Microbial Analysis

• Conduct microbial identification (Micro ID) in flower products to ensure quality and compliance
• Analyze microbial populations across different cultivation locations and environments
• Track microbial trends over time during the flowering cycle
• Partner with QA to develop reporting frameworks for microbial trends and risk factors

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Design, implement, and optimize IPM strategies
• Evaluate the effects of IPM practices on disease incidence and crop yield
• Collaborate with cultivation teams to ensure effective and practical deployment of IPM protocols

Plant Health Diagnostics

• Investigate and determine causes of plant stress symptoms, including yellowing and reduced vigor
• Diagnose biotic (pathogens, pests) and abiotic (nutrient, environmental) factors affecting crop performance

Pathogen & Viroid Research

• Lead HLVd (Hop Latent Viroid) testing strategy, including sampling protocols and best practices
• Study transmission pathways and spread within cultivation systems
• Evaluate genetic susceptibility and resistance to HLVd and other pathogens

Genetics & Breeding Collaboration

• Work with biotech and breeding teams to identify and develop pest- and pathogen‑resistant cultivars
• Contribute to research on genetic mechanisms underlying resistance traits

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Cultivation to improve plant health outcomes and implement disease mitigation strategies
• Work with Quality Assurance (QA) on microbial monitoring, data interpretation, and reporting
• Collaborate with Biotech/Breeding teams on long‑term resistance strategies

Long‑Term Objectives

• Maintain low microbial load in flower products
• Minimize pest and pathogen pressure across cultivation environments
• Establish data‑driven IPM and disease monitoring systems
• Contribute to the development of improved, disease‑resistant cultivars

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Plant Pathology, Plant Biology, Microbiology, or related field
• 1-2 years of relevant experience, experience may come from field work through graduate school
• Experience with plant disease diagnostics and microbial identification techniques
• Familiarity with IPM strategies in controlled environments
• Experience with molecular diagnostics (e.g., PCR-based pathogen/viroid detection) preferred
• Strong data analysis and cross‑functional communication skills

Thank you for your interest in Organigram.

Organigram is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fair and equitable recruitment practices, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss any accommodation needs required throughout the hiring process. If you require accommodations, please email us at [e-mail] with the job posting title, your name and contact information, and your preferred method of contact.

Please note that we may use AI tools to assist with the recruitment process; however, every candidate will be reviewed by a member of our recruitment team to ensure fair and individualized consideration.

While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.