Water Microbiology Technician - Research Assistant Technician II

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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
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
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…