Water Microbiology Technician - Research Assistant Technician II

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Guelph seeks a temporary full-time Environmental Sciences technician to support water microbiology research. You will collaborate with the PI and students, develop and validate lab methods, and conduct routine sampling and analysis in a fast-paced environment.

You will document procedures, manage data, and assist with project reports, while working on site in Guelph, Ontario. The role requires attention to safety and quality control and the ability to work independently as part of

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or college diploma in a related field.
• Experience in water microbiology laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of BSL-2 pathogens and safety.
• Ability to track sample chain of custody.
• Experience with lab documentation and data recording.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with PI, students and staff to meet research milestones.
• Develop, validate, and execute new or optimized lab methods and SOPs.
• Perform routine water sampling and analysis following guidelines.
• Communicate technical information clearly and train others in procedures.
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot basic lab equipment.
• Support data management and preliminary analysis as needed.
• Contribute to knowledge transfer and project reports.

Skills

Water microbiology

Lab techniques

Data management

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

BSc or Diploma in Environmental sciences or related field

2-3 years post-secondary education

Tools

IDEXX Colilert

qPCR

DNA extraction

Job description

Location: Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: OAC Guelph Campus

Requisition ID: 2788

Department: Environmental Sciences

This position is classified under the Grant and Trust Administrative & Technical Group

Temporary full-time from 09/14/2026 to 09/13/2027

Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

Duties And Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator, students and staff to meet research program milestones. For more information on ongoing projects in the program see microscape.ca.
• Develop, validate, and execute new or optimized methods, and prepare associated research documentation, including but not limited to lab protocols, field data collection forms, SOPs, and records.
• Independently perform routine water sampling and analysis following standardized guidelines and procedures, including recording and/or coding data requiring some judgement/interpretation.
• Communicate technical information accurately and effectively in oral, written, visual and electronic forms. The applicant will be expected to serve as a source of information on standard research techniques, train others in technical procedures or operations, and provide guidance to students on use of equipment or standard research techniques for their research projects.
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot problems with basic lab equipment.
• Supports data management, performs preliminary analysis when appropriate; recognize obvious deviations in research results and flag for senior researchers to address.
• Support the knowledge translation and transfer of research outcomes to project stakeholders. This may include contributing to project reports, manuscripts, grant proposals and other research presentations.
• Organize laboratory and stock, maintains inventory, replenishing supplies as required. This includes the preparation of media, buffer, reagents, solutions, cultures and related material according to specifications for routine laboratory use.
• Contribute to the technical proficiency of the team through acquisition of knowledge and abilities related to tools, technologies, software, and systems relevant to the research program.

Requirements

• 2-3 years of post-secondary education, with some experience required. This may include Bachelor of Science or College Diploma in Microbiology, Environmental Science, Environmental Microbiology, Water Sciences, Water Quality, Water Science, Environmental Technology, or a related program. Experience should be directly related to water microbiology in a laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of and experience with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) pathogens.
• Demonstrated experience in setting up, testing, optimizing and validating a variety of culture-based microbiology techniques for environmental isolates including; aseptic culture, aerobic and anaerobic culture, strain isolation, cryopreservation and maintenance of biobanks.
• Demonstrated experience in setting up, testing, optimizing and validating a variety of molecular microbiology techniques including; DNA extraction, qPCR, primer design and validation.
• Demonstrated ability to track and maintain sample chain of custody, from receipt through downstream processing.
• Strong understanding of scientific principles, data management and quality control.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, effective time management, and strong organizational skills that include setting priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Valid Driver’s License as travel to field sites may be required.

Working Environment

• This position involves laboratory work and outdoor fieldwork. Field activities take place at creek and river sites, urban stormwater sites, and agricultural settings around the City of Guelph and surrounding area, often in variable weather conditions. The position requires the ability to safely access field sites including creek banks and stormwater infrastructure. Travel to field sites (ranging from 5- 300km) will be required. Hybrid or remote work arrangements are not suitable to this position.

Preferred Experience

• Demonstrated experience with specialized laboratory techniques or instruments would be considered an asset, including: IDEXX assays (e.g. Colilert), multiplex PCR assays (e.g. TaqArray), KingFisher instruments, 3D printers, and/or Nanopore Sequencers (e.g. GridION).
• Demonstrated field work experience in water sampling and assessment including grab sampling and on-site measurement of water quality indicators (pH, DO, temperature, EC, salinity, etc.) would be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience with advanced field sampling and monitoring techniques and equipment would be considered an asset; including passive sampling, ultrafiltration, operation of autosamplers, and/or installation and maintenance of water sensors.
• Experience in a research environment (academic or industry) would be considered an asset.
• Expertise in any of the following areas is considered an asset: water policy, water resources, watershed management, hydrology, water chemistry, freshwater ecology, remote sensing, water quality data management and analysis.

Employee Type: Temporary

Classification: Grant/ Trust fund position, Band GTAT - Band B

GTAT (Grant & Trust Administrative and Technical) Salary Grid

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 08/14/2026

Close Date: 09/06/2026