Job Description

Department: Ridgetown - Research
This position is classified under the Grant and Trust Administrative & Technical Group
Temporary full-time from 08/18/2025 to 08/17/2027
If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.
General Purpose
The Field Crop Pathology Program at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant/Technician IV to assist in managing both laboratory and field experiments. The program focuses on plant disease management in field crops, generating and analyzing pathology and genetic data from disease studies conducted under both controlled and field conditions. The incumbent will play a key role in supporting research efforts by providing technical expertise in the development and evaluation of disease management strategies. This includes working closely with researchers, industry partners, and students to ensure the successful execution of high-quality field and laboratory experiments. Additionally, the role involves effectively communicating research findings to scientific and technical staff within crop breeding and disease management programs.
This position is a two-year term appointment supported by a research grant administered by the University of Guelph. The Research Technician will report to the Principal Investigator and is expected to work with minimal supervision while maintaining collaborative working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Field Research:

• Plan, establish, and maintain field trials related to plant pathology research.
• Implement disease nurseries, including pathogen inoculation, disease rating, pesticide application, and plot maintenance.
• Harvest and process field samples, ensuring high-quality data collection.
• Controlled Environment and Laboratory Research:

• Conduct greenhouse and growth chamber experiments, including plant inoculations, disease ratings, and cross-pollinations.
• Isolate, culture, and identify plant pathogens using microbiological and molecular techniques.
• Prepare and catalog pathogen inoculum and maintain pathogen isolate collections.
• Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting:

• Design experiments, collect and analyze data, and assist with preparation of reports, scientific publications, and extension materials.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental results and data management.
• Assist in drafting funding proposals and contribute to annual and final project reports.
• Supervision and Training:

• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students, summer research assistants, and technical staff.
• Provide guidance on experimental techniques, safety procedures, and data analysis.
• Outreach and Collaboration:

• Participate in field days, industry meetings, and extension events.
• Liaise with farmers, industry partners, and collaborators to coordinate research activities.

Requirements

• Education:

• MSc degree in Plant Pathology, Plant Science, Biology, Agriculture, or a related discipline (or a BSc with extensive relevant experience).
• Experience and Skills:

• Strong background and hands-on experience in plant pathology, including sterile techniques, pathogen identification, and disease nursery management.
• Practical experience in field research, plot establishment, disease scouting, and data collection.
• Proficiency in statistical software such as SAS, R, or other data analysis tools, as well as MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in both field and laboratory environments.
• Willingness to work flexible hours during peak research periods.
• Ability to travel occasionally for research-related activities.
• Other Requirements:

• A valid Ontario driver's license (preference for an AZ license).
• Grower Pesticide Safety Certificate and Ontario Ministry of Environment Pesticide Applicator's License.
• Emergency First Aid and CPR certification.
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) designation is preferred.

Employee Type: Temporary
Classification: Grant/ Trust fund position, Band GTAT - Band D
At the University of Guelph, fostering a 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: 08/01/2025
Close Date: 08/08/2025