Water Microbiology Technician – Research Assistant Technician III

CSM Scm; Guelph; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research university in Ontario is seeking a Water Microbiology Technician. The successful candidate will focus on lab-based pathogen detection and participate in field research for water quality assessment. Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and 3 years of experience in a laboratory setting. The role emphasizes teamwork, data management, and technical proficiency, and offers opportunities in a fast-paced research environment.

Benefits

Collaborative research environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant laboratory experience in water or environmental microbiology.
• Experience with culture-based and molecular microbiology techniques.
• Valid Driver’s License for field travel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct lab-based pathogen and AMR detection.
• Plan and execute water sampling campaigns.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Support data management and quality control.

Skills

Microbial culture techniques

Molecular microbiology techniques

Data management and quality control

Fieldwork in water sampling

Strong organizational skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or related field

Tools

Centrifuges

Spectrophotometers

Thermocycles

Analytical balances

Job description

Overview

Water Microbiology Technician – Research Assistant Technician III

Location: University of Guelph, CA, N1G 2W1
School of Environmental Science, OAC Guelph Campus
Please apply on careers.uoguelph.ca, Job ID 1726

Temporary full-time from 09/09/2025 to 09/09/2028

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 life. 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.

Responsibilities

General outline of duties: This position will play a key role in lab-based pathogen and AMR detection. It will be required to establish, optimize and perform lab-based pathogen and AMR detection on a regular basis using culture-based and molecular methods; responsible for the proper tracking, documentation, storage, and processing of water samples based on established procedures; participate in field research, including the planning and execution of water sampling and sensing campaigns and coordination of field research teams; responsible for data collection, screening and quality control and will be expected to follow best data management practices; 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 thrive managing multiple tasks, are highly adaptive and flexible, 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 project milestones
• Work proactively, alongside the Principal Investigator, to anticipate future research needs and resources when possible
• Independently perform routine water sampling and analysis. Assist with conducting or running experiments or research work following standardized guidelines and procedures, including recording and/or coding data requiring some judgement/interpretation
• Develop, validate, and execute new or optimized methods. This includes the preparation of research documentation, including lab protocols and manuals, data collection forms, SOPs, and records, including those required to meet regulatory compliance and quality assurance
• 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, including use of precision laboratory equipment and instruments, and provide guidance to students on use of equipment or standard research techniques for their research projects
• Set up, test, calibrate, operate and maintain complex laboratory and other equipment; communicate equipment status to team members; some troubleshooting to resolve equipment malfunctions before arranging for repairs
• Support data management, perform preliminary analysis and reporting to meet program deliverables for research projects and grants. Recognize obvious deviations in research results and flag for senior researcher to address
• Support the knowledge translation and transfer of research outcomes to project stakeholders. This may include contributing to initial drafts of scientific reports, manuscripts, grant proposals and other research presentations
• Organize laboratory and stock, maintain inventory, replenish/order supplies as required. This includes the preparation of media, buffer, reagents, solutions, cultures and related material according to specifications for routine laboratory use
• Initiating/signoff on LVPOs and completing account reconciliations, following specific guidelines and processes
• Perform work responsibilities adhering to standards of professional conduct, professional ethics, and team guidelines and expectations
• 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

• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Environmental Science, Environmental Microbiology, Water Sciences, Water Quality, Water Science and Environmental Health, or Water Resource Management, combined with 3 years of relevant laboratory experience in water or environmental microbiology. Equivalent combination of education and experience are encouraged to apply (e.g., College Diploma in Environmental Technology and relevant experience)
• Demonstrated experience in setting up, testing, optimizing and validating a variety of culture-based and molecular microbiology techniques including aseptic culture, strain isolation, DNA extraction, qPCR, primer design and validation

Additional Requirements

• Strong understanding of scientific principles and data management and quality control
• Knowledge of and experience with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) pathogens
• Experience with operation, maintenance, and/or calibration of general laboratory equipment: centrifuges, autoclaves, analytical balances, thermocyclers, incubators, spectrophotometers, sample blenders, vacuum filters
• Experience with general administrative duties including sourcing and procurement of reagents and supplies; tracking and maintenance of inventory; documentation and tracking of lab-related expenses; preparing and ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures; training students and staff on established protocols; overseeing daily operations and lab information systems
• Proficient in word processing and spreadsheet software
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, providing innovative and creative contributions and seeking opportunities for improvement
• 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

Preferred experience

• Demonstrated experience with specialized laboratory techniques or instruments such as IDEXX assays (e.g. Colilert), multiplex PCR assays (e.g. TaqArray), KingFisher instruments, 3D printers, and/or Nanopore Sequencers (e.g. GridION)
• 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.)
• Advanced field sampling and monitoring techniques and equipment (e.g., passive sampling, ultrafiltration, installation and maintenance of water sensors)
• Experience in a research environment (academic or industry)
• Expertise in areas such as water policy, water resources, watershed management, hydrology, water chemistry, freshwater ecology, remote sensing, or water quality data management and analysis

Employee Type: Temporary
Classification: Grant/ Trust fund position, Band GTAT – Band C
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: 08/22/2025
Close Date: 09/12/2025