PLSC Pre-Breeding Technician, Crop Development Centre

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Saskatoon is looking for a Research Technician to support wheat genomic research. This role involves greenhouse and molecular lab work, data collection, and supervising students. The ideal candidate has a relevant degree and experience in data collection and lab work. Applications should be sent to the provided email by October 10, 2025.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in scientific data collection.
• Experience in molecular lab work is required.
• Experience with greenhouse work or disease phenotyping is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Support research activities in genetics, genomics, and pre-breeding.
• Conduct greenhouse tasks including plant cultivation and molecular laboratory work.
• Assist in field trials during summer months.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Time management

Education

Degree or diploma in agriculture, plant science, biology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Overview

Primary Purpose: The Wheat Applied Genomics and Pre-Breeding Program at the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan requires a Research Technician who will work as part of a growing team to support research and development of improved traits in wheat. This Program is newly established and will conduct research and trait breeding activities to develop and deploy useful traits through wheat cultivar development programs at the Centre. This is the first position to be filled, with plans for growth in the coming years to include multiple technicians, graduate students, and professional research staff.

Nature of Work

The successful candidate will support research activities in genetics, genomics, and pre-breeding. Responsibilities will include greenhouse tasks such as plant cultivation, crossing, and spike threshing; molecular biology laboratory work including DNA/RNA extraction, genetic marker analysis, and sequencing; and disease phenotyping under both field and greenhouse conditions. Work will primarily be conducted in the molecular laboratory and greenhouse, but it is expected that the research technician will also support establishment and collection of data in field trials during the summer months. This position reports to the CDC Wheat Applied Genomics and Pre-Breeding group leader, Valentyna Klymiuk.

The position will work independently to meet research and breeding goals. Tasks vary throughout the year and require knowledge of molecular techniques, plant husbandry and data collection in greenhouse and field trials. The Research Technician may be asked to supervise other staff, including part-time support staff and summer students. The Research Technician may also be asked to support graduate students and collaborators with technical knowledge.

The Research Technician may be exposed to lab chemicals (e.g., mutagens) and field conditions and will be expected to remain aligned with University safety procedures. Field work is often physically demanding and requires standing for long periods in hot temperatures. The Technician must be physically capable of lifting 25 kg.

The Research Technician will be mindful of their own safety and ensure the safety of their fellow workers. This includes following all standard operating procedures and good laboratory practices. The Technician will be expected to identify and work on solutions to workplace hazards.

Typical Duties and Accountabilities

• Greenhouse operations: Growing plants, performing crosses and seed increases, harvesting and threshing grain samples, and conducting disease phenotyping for wheat diseases such as Fusarium head blight (FHB), stripe rust, stem rust, and leaf rust.
• Molecular laboratory experiments: executing protocols including DNA/RNA extraction, genetic marker analysis, sequencing, and quantitative PCR.
• Field support and sample analysis: organizing and preparing samples for seeding, conducting FHB and rust phenotyping in field nurseries, and collecting data from field plots.

The Research Technician will be expected to work with limited supervision, and to be capable of supervising summer students and part-time staff to accomplish tasks throughout the year. The Research Technician may also be asked to support graduate students, professional research staff and collaborators.

Education, Licenses, Experience, Skills

Education: A degree or diploma in agriculture, plant science, biology, or a related field of study.

Licenses: Must possess a valid driver’s license. Candidate should have or be willing to obtain WHMIS, First Aid and CPR training.

Experience: The successful candidate must have demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: scientific data collection, molecular lab work, handheld and desktop computers and software including Microsoft Excel and Word. Experience with greenhouse work, crossing, disease phenotyping, field trial setup and maintenance is considered a strong asset.

Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills to be a core member of a positive team environment. Well organized and able to manage time efficiently.

Applicants

For best consideration send CV to [e-mail] by October 10, 2025.

Department: Crop Development Centre
Status: Term 2 years
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is to be determined. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Band: 6
Posted Date: 9/26/2025
Closing Date: 10/16/2025
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan is an equal opportunity institution and is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged. Verification of Indigenous membership/citizenship is conducted in accordance with university processes. If you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.