The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) is a rapidly expanding Institute based at the University of Saskatchewan. Our Vision is a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food. This is a bold vision, one that we will strive to achieve through investing in out talent. In line with our Mission, we will work with our employees, partners, and stakeholders to discover, develop, and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food.

We are guided by our Values of: Innovation. Excellence. Collaboration. Integrity. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

PRIMARY PURPOSE
As a Research Technician you provide plant growth, shoot and root phenotyping, molecular biology, and plant cell, tissue, and organ imaging as part of the Root-Soil- Microbial Interactions (RSMI) research group led by Professor Leon Kochian, Associate Director and Canada Excellence Research Chair.

NATURE OF WORK
Reporting to Professor Kochian, you will be key member of RSMI and the broader GIFS team supporting and advancing research.

You will be part of the GIFS team and your work is planned and conducted in close coordination with postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, other research technicians and visiting scientists.  

You understand the values, culture, challenges, and operational needs of GIFS. You understand the interconnectedness of GIFS and the impact changes and operations have on all the platforms, programs, clients, and overall reputation of GIFS. You demonstrate a strong safety acumen. You develop and maintain strong long-lasting relationships. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead by example.
• Growing plants in different growth media, including in vitro (in gel plates and cylinders), and in hydroponic media and soil, using imaging platforms to image root systems in 2- and 3-dimensions
• Imaging and post-processing analysis of root system architecture to quantify root traits that describe root growth, topology, and architecture
• Plant DNA/RNA isolation, qRT-PCR assays, gene cloning and plant transformation 

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master’s degree in plant molecular biology, cell imaging biology, plant biology or agricultural biology or a combination of a bachelor’s degree in a comparable field and at least two years of professional experience in plant molecular research are preferred. 
• Prior experience or coursework in plant molecular biology and cell imaging biology along with basic molecular lab tasks such as plant nucleic acids isolation, DNA/RNA electrophoresis, primer design, qRT-PCR assays, restriction enzyme use, gene cloning is needed and experience in operating epifluorescence, fluorescence stereo and/or confocal microscopes is desirable.

SKILLS

• Highly motivated with a keen attention to detail, willingness to learn and the proven ability to work in a fast paced, team-oriented, multidisciplinary research environment.
• Sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and professional integrity.
• Ability to be effective in interactions with colleagues, leaders, and scientists. 
• A skilled communicator, both written and verbal, with the ability to establish and maintain effective, respectful relationships to ensure a culture of collaboration. 
• A track record of delivering superior results and developing respect in previous organizations via a collaborative and team based working styles and a demonstrated ability to deliver quality results while meeting timelines.
• A deep commitment to enacting equity, diversity, inclusion.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Demonstrated statistical skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications (particularly Word and Excel).

Department: Global Institute for Food Security  
Status: Term 2 years
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Not Applicable
Posted Date: 12/19/2022
Closing Date: 1/30/2023
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

Read the full posting & Apply here: https://usask.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/14/home/requisition/10298?c=usask