Post-doctoral Research Scholar for Novel Microbial Biocontrol Product Development

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Competition ID:

4441

Internal Closing Date:

Open Until Filled

External Closing Date:

January 22, 2026

# of Openings:

1

• Salary Information:

Casual Employee - Hourly Rate

Employment Type:

Temporary Full Time

Workplace Type:

On-Site

Travel Frequency:

Occasional travel between campuses is required.

Employee Group:

Casual Employee

Days of Work (BCGEU):

Hours of Work (BCGEU):

Hours per Week (BCGEU):

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to: Dr. Deborah Henderson

SUMMARY

The research team at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) conducts applied research to produce and develop novel bioproducts, novel growing systems and agritech research to support ecosystem health and resilience. To learn more about our research, please browse our website at

This position will commence when the appropriate candidate is selected and provides a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Post-doctoral Fellow will work directly on several aspects of the development of novel microbial biopesticides including managing trials, lab studies, communicating with field collaborators and recording and reporting progress towards milestones with the industry partner. This individual will help lead and support applied research projects under the supervision and direction of the PI, and in collaboration with ISH research staff. Where appropriate, they may also help supervise and train student researchers working in the ISH laboratories, greenhouse, or in the field as applicable. They will contribute to project planning and design, perform greenhouse, laboratory and field tasks, and communicate results to the PI, faculty, staff, and industry partners.

This is a Mitacs-funded position. The successful candidate must eligible for a Post Doctoral position at KPU (within less than five years from the date of graduation from a PhD program) and approved by Mitacs. Please see link below for the eligibility requirements of the Mitacs Accelerate program.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute or supervise lab and field experiments to establish efficacy, rates and protocols for use of the new biopesticides
• Plan research to generate other data, either at KPU or with other collaborators, required to bring the new products to end users.
• Meet with industry partners for project planning and design.
• Communicate regularly with ISH's senior leadership, staff, and undergraduate student researchers on project progress.
• Execute experiments required for research projects, including quality control, and troubleshooting when necessary.
• Gather, organize, and maintain experimental data and records for lab, greenhouse and field studies.
• Prepare reports and presentations, independently and under the direction of the ISH's senior leadership.
• Provide on-site supervision and training to undergraduate student researchers and research staff, when required.
• Generate and update standard operating procedures for routine and new developments, in collaboration with the greenhouse and laboratory Research Coordinators and/or senior research staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Hold a Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Biology, Agriculture, Plant Physiology or related field.
• Good verbal and written skills in English, knowledge of experimental design and analysis, and computer literacy and application.
• Exceptional writing and reporting skills to effectively communicate research findings.
• Experience in R software, or similar software, for statistical analysis.
• Excellent time management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Well-organized, energetic, accurate, and flexible in approaching tasks.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to set priorities, work under pressure, deliver high-quality products, and meet deadlines.

SALARY INFORMATION

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $30

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit for more information on KPU's workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.