Water Microbiology Technician - Research Assistant Technician II

Ontario University Athletics; Guelph; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Guelph seeks a Water Microbiology Technician to join its Environmental Sciences team in Guelph, ON. This temporary full-time role supports lab-based pathogen and AMR detection, field sampling, data collection, and quality control in an interdisciplinary setting.

The successful candidate will perform culture-based and molecular assays, manage samples and documentation, and contribute to research outcomes for water quality projects.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of post-secondary education in microbiology or related field.
• Knowledge of BSL-2 pathogens and lab safety.
• Experience with culture-based and molecular microbiology techniques.
• Ability to track samples and maintain chain of custody.
• Strong data management and quality control skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab-based pathogen and AMR detection using culture and molecular methods.
• Manage sample handling, storage, and data documentation per SOPs.
• Conduct field sampling campaigns and assist in lab analyses.
• Communicate technical information effectively to team members.
• Operate and troubleshoot basic lab equipment; maintain inventory.

Skills

BSL-2 knowledge

Molecular techniques

Culture methods

Field sampling

Data management

Independent work

Attention to detail

Education

BS in Microbiology

BSc Environmental Science

Tools

qPCR

KingFisher

Nanopore

Job description

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Water Microbiology Technician - Research Assistant Technician II

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

Our research team is dedicated to the Surveillance and Control of Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Environment, predominately focusing on how to monitor and model the risks that waterborne pathogens and other pollutants pose to human health. The research program is led by the Canada Excellence in Research Chair (CERC) in Waterborne Pathogens: Surveillance, Prediction and Mitigation. Our primary areas of research are smart sampling systems, lab-based pathogen and AMR detection, novel low-cost water quality sensor development, source tracking, modelling and risk estimation, and novel green infrastructure-based pathogen treatment systems. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Water Microbiologist to join our team.

General outline of duties: This position will play a key role in lab-based pathogen and AMR detection. They will be required to establish, optimize and perform lab-based pathogen and AMR detection on a regular basis using culture-based and molecular methods; they will be responsible for the proper tracking, documentation, storage, and processing of water samples based on establish procedures; they will participate in field research, including the execution of water sampling and sensing campaigns; they will be responsible for data collection, screening and quality control; they will be involved in the general support of research activities for a growing and dynamic interdisciplinary research team.

Our research environment is highly collaborative. Candidates who bring a positive and team-focused attitude, who are self-motivated, and enjoy working within a fast-paced environment, will be most successful in this role.

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.
• 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

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