Research Technician, Wheat Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Crop Development Centre

Primary Purpose: The Durum Wheat Genetics, Genomics and Breeding team led by Professor Dr. Curtis Pozniak at the University of Saskatchewan (USASK), Crop Development Centre (CDC) is seeking two highly motivated research technicians to work in the molecular breeding lab.

Nature of Work: The incumbent will be involved in a range of research projects with plant breeders, geneticists, molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, and greenhouse personnel. The successful applicant will be familiar with next generation sequencing strategies and must possess a working knowledge of marker-assisted selection, basic bioinformatics, including BLAST searching, DNA sequence alignments, and primer design. The work will be planned and conducted in close coordination with senior research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, other research technicians, and visiting scientists. Overall supervision will be provided by Dr. Curtis Pozniak.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Under the direction of our Laboratory Manager, the duties will include, but are not limited to, sample preparation from leaf tissue for downstream DNA analyses, PCR, cloning, sample preparation for next generation sequence analyses, data analysis and marker-assisted selection. Participation in greenhouse and environmentally controlled growth chamber experiments will sometimes be required. The successful candidates will be required to attend bi-weekly progress meetings and contribute to project reports.

Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in plant science or related field, or a diploma in BioScience technology is required. Prior experience working in a molecular lab is desired. Those with a Ph.D. would be overqualified for these positions and will thus not be considered.

Experience:

• A Minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience in molecular biology required.
• Experience in various laboratory operations like nucleic acid extractions, sequencing library prep, marker assisted selection, operation and maintenance of QC instruments and sequencers.
• Experience managing large datasets.
• Demonstrated experience in basic bioinformatics platforms and basic command line tools would be considered a strong asset.
• Experience with KASP assays, and gene expression analysis would also be an asset.
• Experience working in greenhouse or growth chambers will be considered an asset.

Skills:

• Proven ability to coordinate tasks such as sample onboarding, tracking progress, and deliverables
• Proven ability to troubleshoot technical issues encountered in the lab.
• Ability to collaborate in the development of new methods and establishment of new technologies.
• Proven ability to schedule and manage multiple tasks independently.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills in the English language is required.
• Must be highly organized, and able to handle multiple simultaneous research projects.

To Apply: Please send your application as single PDF-file to Raelene Regier, Program Manager ). Applications should include resume and three references from individuals familiar with the applicant's laboratory experience. The positions are available immediately.

Department: Crop Development Centre

Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension

Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $ per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 5

Posted Date: 1/1/2026

Closing Date: 1/21/2026

Number of Openings: 2

Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.

We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.

The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resourcesfor assistance.