Senior Research Technician – Biological Control

BioTalent Canada; Vineland Station; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vineland Research & Innovation Centre is seeking a Senior Research Technician in Biological Crop Protection to lead, coordinate, and interpret lab, greenhouse, and field studies focused on sustainable crop protection for horticulture. You will supervise technical staff and collaborate with scientists to deliver high-impact applied research.

The role emphasizes experimental design, data interpretation, and robust reporting, with opportunities to contribute to knowledge translation and project

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2–3 years of relevant experience with a B.Sc. or an MSc (asset).
• Demonstrated experience in applied biological control or crop protection research.
• Experience supervising or coordinating technical staff and students is required.
• Advanced technical expertise in biological control, IPM, entomology, and crop protection systems.
• Strong capability in experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of applied research data.
• Demonstrated project coordination and organizational skills with multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, execute, and optimize experiments in lab, greenhouse, and field settings.
• Apply expertise in biological control and IPM to troubleshoot and improve methods.
• Coordinate data collection, management, and initial analysis; synthesize results for reporting.
• Manage day-to-day activities across multiple projects, including scheduling and resourcing.
• Coordinate with greenhouse and farm teams for trials setup and maintenance.
• Contribute to experimental design, statistics, and proposal writing with leadership guidance.

Skills

Biological control

Supervisory experience

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Project coordination

Data interpretation

Entomology

Education

B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Entomology, Plant Science, or related

M.Sc. in related discipline (asset)

Job description

Come join Canada’s leader in horticultural research and innovation and grow your career with us!

Vineland Research & Innovation Centre (Vineland) is a uniquely Canadian results-oriented organization dedicated to horticulture science and innovation. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization, funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative. We deliver innovative products, solutions and services through an integrated and collaborative cross-country network to advance Canada’s research and commercialization agenda.

Vineland is situated on treaty lands. These lands are steeped in the rich history of the First Nations including the Hatiwendaronk, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Many First Nations, Métis and Inuit people from across Turtle Island live and work in Niagara today. Vineland stands with all Indigenous people, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live. As treaty people, residents, and caretakers, we are committed to continuous learning and a deep respect for Indigenous people, culture and history.

What we’re looking for…

Reporting to the Research Scientist, Entomology, or designate, the Senior Research Technician, Biological Crop Protection provides advanced technical leadership and project coordination in support of Vineland’s biological control and integrated crop protection research programs. The role applies specialized expertise to design, execute, and interpret laboratory, greenhouse, and field research, while coordinating project delivery, supervising technical staff, and contributing to knowledge translation and project development activities.

The position works closely with Research Scientists and Senior Research Scientists, as well as internal cross program teams and external partners, to enable high quality, applied research that advances sustainable crop protection solutions for horticultural production systems.

What you’ll do…

• Prepare, execute, and optimize experiments in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings, aligned with approved project objectives, protocols, and safety requirements.
• Apply specialized expertise in biological control, integrated pest management, and crop protection systems to troubleshoot experimental challenges and improve methodologies.
• Coordinate data collection, management analysis, and provide initial data interpretation; synthesize results into clear technical conclusions for internal and external reporting.
• Manage day-to-day activities across multiple concurrent projects, including scheduling, resourcing, following project milestones to ensure timely delivery.
• Coordinate with greenhouse and farm team on the set-up, maintenance, and clean-up of trials.
• Contribute to project development, experimental design, statistical analysis, and proposal writing, under the direction of the Research Scientist or Director, and in collaboration with Business Development.

What we need from you…

• B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Entomology, Plant Science, or a related discipline with a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience; or
• M.Sc. in a related discipline (asset).
• Demonstrated experience in applied biological control or crop protection research.
• Experience supervising or coordinating technical staff and students is required.
• Advanced technical expertise in biological control, integrated pest management, entomology, plant-pest interactions, and/or biological crop protection systems.
• Strong capability in experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of applied research data.
• Demonstrated project coordination and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

A more comprehensive position outline is available upon request.

Why work for us…

Our people are the most important asset in achieving our goals and are known in the world for their excellence in science and entrepreneurship. Our staff enjoys an exciting and challenging work environment noted for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Vineland strives to create an environment that brings the power of diversity to life. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates including women, Indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities and racialized groups, persons with disabilities, persons of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and others. In accordance with all applicable provincial accessibility standards, accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process.

And there’s more…

If selected to join our team:

You will be required to present proof of education (original transcripts/credentials). Credentials obtained outside of Canada require an evaluation to determine the Canadian educational equivalence. This evaluation must support the educational requirements for the position as a condition of employment. For further information, visit World Education Services at: http://www.wes.org/ca .

We look forward to hearing from you!

Vineland is located at 4890 Victoria Avenue North*, Vineland Station, Ontario, Canada.

(*Please note that this location is not accessible by public transportation.)

We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We confirm that we do not use AI in screening, assessing or selecting candidates; and this position is an existing vacancy.