Research Technician - Biology

OVERVIEW

We are currently seeking qualified recent graduates with a background in biology to join our innovative Research & Development team as a Research Technician. The ideal candidate will have previous research experience and/or education in one or more of the following areas: plant biology/pathology, entomology, microbiology, or biochemistry. They will also be a great team player and have excellent communication skills.

YOUR MISSION

Working with Terramera’s innovative crop protection R&D program, you will be responsible for conducting established in vitro and in planta assays to test bioactive compounds against a variety of agricultural plant pests, including insects, fungi, and weeds. To support these activities, you will also be responsible for growing a variety of plants in controlled environment spaces.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sets up, executes, and analyzes a variety of established bioassays to support various crop protection R&D projects
• Works closely with our controlled environment staff to grow plants for testing and pest maintenance, ensures there is no cross-contamination of controlled environment space with plant pests
• Sets up large-scale controlled environment experiments, and evaluates the health of pests and plants to understand the impact of pesticides on pest control and crop protection
• Develops methods for testing of a broad range of potential pesticidal molecules, both in vitro and in vivo, against a diverse panel of pests
• Generates summaries and reports results, communicating progress to internal and external stakeholders
• Works and communicates effectively with multidisciplinary teams in the R&D group
• Documents data in lab notebooks and summarizing results in study reports
• Presents and discusses results in team meetings
• Perform other related duties in keeping with the purpose and accountabilities of the job

REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of a Post-Secondary diploma/degree in Plant Biology, Biology, Entomology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field within the past 3 years
• Background in plant biology, with proven experience in setting up and conducting in vitro and/or in planta bioassays strongly preferred
• Familiar with general R&D biology lab operations, including growing of plants, experimental design and setup, statistics, and collection of data

PREFERENCES

• Experience maintaining insect colonies and conducting insect-based bioassays
• Experience growing and maintaining fungal cultures using good aseptic technique
• Experience with in vitro and/or in planta testing of agricultural plant pathogens

QUALITIES WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Strong interpersonal, communication and decision-making skills
• Enthusiastic and keen graduate with a strong willingness to learn
• Excellent hands-on skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Aptitude for multidisciplinary research
• Flexibility to work in accordance with the needs of experiments being performed

Note: Preference for candidates who meet government wage subsidy requirements:

• aged 30 or under at the beginning of the internship
• graduated from a post-secondary institution (does not have to be a STEM grad)
• a Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons who have been granted refugee status in Canada
• legally entitled to work in Canada according to the relevant provincial and Canadian legislation and regulations
• not in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits

LOCATION

• Vancouver, BC

WHO WE ARE 

Terramera is a cleantech leader focused on fusing AI, science and nature to create revolutionary technologies that transform how we grow food and solve other world-scale challenges. With its Actigate™ Targeted Performance technology and mission to unlock the intelligence in nature to ensure a world that thrives and provides for everyone, Terramera is committed to reducing global synthetic chemical loads in agriculture by 80 percent while increasing global farm productivity by 20 percent by 2030. The privately held company was founded in 2010 and has grown to include a world-class bench of engineers, scientists, advisors and investors. Terramera is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, has integrated operations that include a research lab, greenhouse and farm, and has more than 185 patents in its IP portfolio. 

Our success begins with our people. We’re looking for A-Players who are passionate about making a difference as we are and thrive in environments that are dynamic, challenging and rewarding. Join our movement, as we set a new standard and change the world together as a highly dedicated, innovative, future-focused and solutions-oriented team. 

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. For more information on Terramera, please visit our website at www.terramera.com 

Terramera is committed to a diverse workforce and we are an equal opportunity employer. As we make serious efforts to learn more about how we can increase diversity in our candidate pool, we invite you to voluntarily provide demographic information in a confidential survey at the end of this application.

Providing this information is optional. It will not be used in the hiring process, and has no effect on your opportunity for employment.

APPLICATION DEADLINE 

• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.