Research Technician, Cell Biology

**Research Technician, Cell Biology**:
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**

To be part of a team in the Cell Biology Platform focused on developing, optimizing, implementing, and scaling double haploid pipeline in canola as well as reliable transformation and tissue culture protocols for canola and wheat.

**NATURE OF WORK**

Reporting to the Platform Lead, Cell Biology, you will provide technical support, with a focus on the development of canola doubled haploid pipeline as well as genetic transformation of identified priority crops (e.g., canola, wheat, and pulses) and model plants (e.g., Arabidopsis).

You will be required to work effectively, both independently and as a team member, and to exercise discretionary decision making. Work occurs in an environment which requires a high level of accuracy with repetitive tasks, where there is continuous change and growth, shifting and competing priorities, multiple requests, and frequent interruptions. You will be part of a team that fosters a work atmosphere that is collaborative, open, positive, supportive, responsive, and transparent. You will demonstrate a strong safety acumen.

**ACCOUNTABILITIES**
- **
**Implementation, development and scaling of a canola doubled haploid pipeline (care of donor plants, bud selection and sterilization, microspore extraction, embryo culture and plant regeneration)
- Ploidy analysis through cytometry.
- Genetic transformation and tissue culture research and development (R&D) in controlled environments (tissue culture cabinets, growth chambers, and greenhouses).
- Preparation of cells, regular and selective culture media, solutions, cells stock, autoclave materials, and other transformation laboratory related daily routine activities.
- Sample collection and basic molecular characterization (e.g., DNA Extraction, PCR).
- Manage multiple requests and set priorities based on needs.
- Observe and maintain plant growth and health and monitor for contamination/disease.
- Clean, sterilize and maintain supplies, equipment, and facilities according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Ensure the laboratory is well stocked and resourced and communicate with Platform Lead for supply orders.
- Maintain complete records and inventories using Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs); proper record keeping and utilization of electronic lab notebooks, and/or other internal software tools; including development and updates of SOPs.
- Adhere to good equipment use practices, including proper operation, cleaning, and maintenance (equipment includes laminar flow hoods, autoclaves, media preparator).
- Adhere to all applicable SOP’s, including R&D and production.
- Adhere to all safety and good laboratory practices as per WHMIS and Lab Safety Training guidelines (including proper handling and use of all chemicals and reagents).
- Stay current with continuous improvement and innovation for tissue culture techniques and bring new ideas to the Platform Lead.
- Other duties as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
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**Diploma or degree with area of focus in Plant Biology, Botany, Biotechnology, Biology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Agronomy, or a comparable field.
- A minimum of two years experience in doubled haploid development, genetic transformation, tissue culture and/or a plant molecular biology lab.
- Experience with doubled haploid development, genetic transformation and tissue culture, conducting R&D in controlled environments such as tissue culture cabinets/chambers/greenhouses, and practical experience working in sterile environments and molecular biology methods.
- Crop transformation knowledge (e.g., canola, wheat, and/or pulses), double haploid development, and, experience with cytometry and new editing technologies transformation (e.g., CRISPR) considered an asset.
- Previous experience in a science institute or industry is a strong asset.

**SKILLS**
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**Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective, respectful relationships to ensure a culture of collaboration.
- Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, organizational skills, and the acumen to manage multiple requests with competing deadlines.
- Exceptional attention to details including in planning, organizing and record keeping.
- Adept at using sterile/aseptic techniques, and follow strict SOPs/GLPs/documentation practices
- Ability to work effectiv