Research Technician I - Breeding Technologies

Nufarm Limited; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global crop protection company is seeking a Research Technician I for their Breeding Technologies team. Located in Edmonton, the role involves conducting chemical analysis, operating laboratory equipment like gas chromatography, and supporting plant breeding activities. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or biotechnology, along with wet chemistry experience. This position offers a salary range of $50,000 to $65,000 USD.

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of work experience in laboratory, growth chambers or greenhouse settings.
• Experience in wet chemistry and analytical methods development.
• Basic knowledge of plant breeding techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct chemical composition analysis of seeds and oils.
• Perform gas chromatography sample preparation and data analysis.
• Operate and maintain analytical equipment like GC and NMR spectrometers.
• Assist in production of high-quality doubled haploids and trait introgression.
• Support safety compliance and adhere to company policies.

Skills

Wet chemistry

Analytical methods development

Gas chromatography

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or Biotechnology

Tools

Gas Chromatography

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Nitrogen analyzers

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Job description

Career Opportunities: Research Technician I - Breeding Technologies (10037)

Requisition ID10037-Posted -United States-West Sacramento-Research and Development-Nufarm - Seed Technologies

Nufarm is a global crop protection and seeds technologies company that helps farmers and businesses meet the global challenges of food, feed, fibre and food production.

Whether it’s commercialising the world’s first plant-based omega-3, launching precision agricultural solutions, unlocking biomass oils for more sustainable fuels and fast-moving consumer goods, launching innovative new crop protection solutions or delivering the crop and seed solutions farmers depend on every day, Nufarm is evolving with agriculture to drive value for customers.

Position Summary (Your Future, Fueled by Innovation)

• This position is responsible for integrating and supporting Nufarm seed technologies crops including Canola, Carinata, Camelina, Sunflower, Sorghum, and energy cane laboratory (Analytical chemistry, doubled haploids and genotyping) and Growth Chamber (GC) research and development (R&D) activities at West Sacramento Innovation Center, California. This is an in-person role and work hours between 8 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday, and some occasional weekends responsibilities as applicable.

Objectives & Primary Responsibilities (How You’ll Help Us Grow)

• Chemical composition analysis of seeds and oils in Analytical chemistry laboratory
• Gas Chromatography (GC) sample preparation- Physical and chemical treatment
• GC Operation and Data Analysis- create and run analytical sequences, analyze chromatograms and assign compound peaks; generate and format analytical reports
• Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy- perform NIR scanning of samples, organize data for model training or predictions
• Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI)- prepare samples, organize data for model training or predictions
• Operate and maintain low-resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers for routine analysis.
• Execute Soxhlet extraction procedures for quantitative oil determination from various sample matrices.
• Operate nitrogen analyzers to accurately determine protein content in samples. Conduct routine preventative maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of the nitrogen analyzer.
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography operations: perform all aspects of HPLC analysis, from sample preparation and execution of analytical sequences to thorough chromatogram analysis and the development of robust calibration curves.
• General Laboratory Support- maintain lab glassware, monitor and manage chemical inventory, routine lab cleanup and organization.
• Flexible to assist new projects in Breeding services as needed and provide support to team
• Assist in production of high-quality doubled haploids and trait introgression
• Production DH pipeline: Responsible for all steps in the DH pipeline starting from planting donor lines to DH seeds production.
• Microspore Extraction & Culture: Follow laboratory protocol to extract microspores to produce Doubled Haploid plants.
• Embryo Subculture & Seed Production: Improve protocol for subculturing plant embryos and transferring them to growth mediums for seed production.
• Chromosome Analysis: Utilize research equipment (e.g., Flow Cytometer) to interpret and record plant chromosome copy numbers.
• Quality and quantity of DHs produced: Conduct activities ensuring production of high-quality embryos, plantlets, and seeds year-round.
• Assist in making regular and interspecific crosses, embryo rescue.
• Conducts growth chamber activities ensuring high seed number per plant.
• Genotyping R&D and QAQC samples in the molecular lab as required.
• Support lab upkeep (including but not limited to buffers, dishes, waste streams, etc) when available or through a structure aligned between Breeding services team and MMT management
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to safety policies, protocols, and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all team members.
• Reports to safety officers on safety related concerns.
• Familiarizes with NuFarm’s incident reporting system.
• Completes all the company and safety related training as instructed.

Position-Specific Skills & Experience Required (Could This Be You?)

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology or Biotechnology with 0-3 years of work experience in laboratory, growth chambers or greenhouse settings.
• Experience in wet chemistry and analytical methods development.
• Lab equipment handling and analytical techniques/ gas chromatography.
• Basic knowledge of plant breeding techniques and or training.
• Good communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

• Hands on experience in laboratory procedures related to aseptic techniques, analytics, molecular/analytical characterization, etc.
• Experience in high-throughput phenotyping and genotyping.
• DH experience in Brassicas, specifically Canola, and Carinata is a plus but not required.

The incumbent can expect to be allocated duties, not specifically mentioned in this document, but within the capacity, qualifications & experience normally expected from persons occupying positions at this classification.

The Company will make reasonable accommodations to individuals with known disabilities who are able to perform the essential functions of their jobs with or without such accommodations, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company’s operations. Individuals requiring accommodation should speak to the Company’s Human Resources Department concerning their needs.

Salary Range: $50,000 – $65,000 USD

Nufarm is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all Nufarm employees.

Apply today and be part of our journey to shape the future of agriculture!