Research Associate - Molecular Plant Breeding and Genetics

University of Alberta Careers; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alberta is seeking a Research Associate for the Brassica and Pulse Genetics Program (BPGP) in Edmonton. This 2-year, in-person appointment will drive research on germplasm resistant to canola and pulse diseases.

The RA will mentor graduate students, supervise technical staff and students, manage day-to-day activities, assist with budgeting and equipment purchases, and coordinate with industry partners to advance marker testing and new research opportunities.

Qualifications

• Expertise in host disease resistance genetics and marker development.
• Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate students in experimental design and data analysis.
• Experience supervising technical staff and student researchers.
• Experience with grant writing and competitive proposal development.

Responsibilities

• Drive research projects identifying germplasm resistant to canola and pulse diseases.
• Set program objectives and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor students in experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
• Oversee day-to-day activities of technical staff and students.
• Contribute to budget planning, reagent and equipment purchases.
• Lead marker testing requests from industry partners to develop disease-resistant germplasm.

Skills

Host disease resistance genetics

Marker development

Mentorship

Project management

Grant writing

Job description

This position has an initial appointment of 2 years.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus and South Campus, Edmonton. Work also takes place at Alberta Agriculture CDC North, Edmonton.

The Brassica and Pulse Genetics Program (BPGP) supports a broad portfolio of basic and applied plant science research. The program typically employs 1–2 technicians, 3–7 graduate students, and 2–5 summer/undergraduate students. In this role, the Research Associate (RA) will serve as the primary driver of research projects aimed at identifying germplasm resistant to major canola and pulse diseases.

Setting research program objectives:

• Research: The RA will leverage their expertise in host disease resistance genetics and marker development to advance future research in the BPGP.


• Mentorship: The RA will mentor students in experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation and writing, contributing to graduate student training in plant pathology, genetics, genetic mapping, and marker analysis.


• Management: The RA will oversee the day-to-day activities of technical staff and summer and undergraduate students, ensuring effective management of research activities, data collection, and data analysis.


• Administrative Responsibilities: The RA will contribute to the group's administration, assisting with budget planning, reagent and equipment purchases, and the allocation of facilities and research space.


• Industry Collaboration: The RA will lead all marker testing requests from industry partners to develop canola germplasm resistant to diseases such such as clubroot, blackleg, verticillium, and sclerotinia.


• Program Initiation: The RA will coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to identify research opportunities and help develop new research objectives and projects.


• Grant Writing: Activities will include developing and writing competitive research proposals and serving as a team member alongside the Principal Investigator.