PLSC Pulse Pathology Summer Student, Plant Sciences

PLSC Pulse Pathology Summer Student, Plant Sciences

Primary

Purpose:

The Pulse Crop Pathology Program at the Crop Development Centre, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan requires a Summer Student who will work as part of a team to support research on pulse crop diseases and certain aspects of pulse breeding.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Pulse Crop Pathologist, Lentil Breeder and the senior research technicians, the successful candidate will be involved in various aspects of each program. Working closely with members of the pulse crop pathology and breeding programs, the candidate will gain the skills necessary for the position. Technical instruction will be provided through review of written protocol and hands-on experience.

Tasks may be based in the laboratory, greenhouse, field, or a combination of, and involve working with pulse crops and associated fungal pathogens. There may be some emphasis on plant monitoring, inoculation and/or scoring for disease in controlled experiments. Travel to off-station sites may be required. Must be able to lift 25 kg.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Responsibilities will include seeding and maintenance of pulse crop plants under controlled conditions, sanitization of materials and areas as required and assistance in the following: preparation of pathogen inoculum, plant inoculations, rating for disease in a greenhouse environment and data entry. Other duties may include threshing plants, seed cleaning, weighing, sorting and organizing, seed storage maintenance and associated duties as assigned.

The successful candidate must be willing to work outdoors, work flexible hours during harvest, and be willing to travel outside of the Saskatoon area.

Education: Undergraduate student at the University of Saskatchewan, preferentially enrolled in agriculture or related discipline. Preference will be given to those with relevant education in agricultural biology, crop science, horticulture, plant ecology, agronomy, soil science and/or applied microbiology.

Licenses: Candidates must hold a valid class 5 driver’s license. Candidates should have or be willing to obtain WHMIS, First Aid and CPR training.

Experience: Experience in plant research will be an asset. Agriculture and/or laboratory experience, familiarity with greenhouse and/or field environments, previous data collection and entry experience, and a willingness to work flexible hours outdoors during the growing season are considered assets.

Skills: Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Proficiency with common business computer programs will be an asset. This position requires a motivated, reliable and well organized person able to work in a multi-disciplinary group environment.