Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is the future of crop innovation in Canada. This federally registered not for profit organization began operations on April 1, 2024. It is carrying on the rich history of the Field Crop Development Centre which has been developing new higher yielding and more climate and disease resistant varieties of cereal grains since 1973 at its lab and research farm in Lacombe, Alberta.

Join our team as a dedicated Plant Pathology Research Associate, contributing to cutting-edge research in plant pathology and cereal breeding. This role involves coordinating and conducting pathology operations across field, laboratory, and office settings, supporting the development of new barley and triticale varieties.

Job Type: This is a full-time role (36.25 hrs per week).

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate disease screening nurseries for barley and triticale in Alberta and other locations.
• Conduct disease surveys, pathogen identification, and inoculum preparation.
• Design and execute field and greenhouse experiments on pathogen populations and host interactions.
• Organize and manage pathology field trials from preparation to harvest.
• Collect, tabulate, and analyze experimental data; maintain databases.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on disease management strategies.
• Stay updated on plant pathology advancements and integrate new methodologies.
• Supervise seasonal workers and summer students.
• Assist in technical report preparation and contribute to scientific publications and grant proposals.
• Manage procurement of lab and field supplies.
• Other duties as required.

Experience and qualifications:

• BSc in Biology, Agriculture, or related field; or Master's degree in agriculture, plant pathology or microbiology.
• Knowledge of cereal diseases in Western Canada preferred.
• Experience in classical and molecular plant pathology and microbiology techniques.
• Proficiency in experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Strong communication skills for scientific communication and stakeholder interaction.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• First Aid and WHMIS training preferred.
• Experience in resistance breeding and working with cereal diseases is an asset.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro culture of pathogens, molecular biology techniques, and bioinformatics is an asset.

What we offer:

• Competitive base salary
• 22 days of vacation to start
• 6 paid wellness days each year
• Immediate access to employer paid Group Benefits including Health and Dental coverage and Short-Term Disability (Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance premiums are paid by the employee), eligible upon hire
• Group RRSP matching at 6% upon completion of probation period

Western Crop Innovations supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.