PLSC Crop Physiology Technician

PLSC Crop Physiology Technician

Research Technician in Crop Physiology to improve the climate-resilience of pea and soybean. Saskatchewan is the heartland of Canadian crop production and home to pulse crops.

Primary Purpose: This position requires a BSc and field experience in plant or crop science / agronomy / applied biology. The position supports Crop Physiology projects in early soybean and pea, starting in May 2024 and funding is for 2 years. 

Nature of Work: The person is supervised by a faculty member in the Crop Physiology Program, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan. Most work lab-based on the University of Saskatchewan Campus in Saskatoon. In summer, field work is based in Saskatchewan and the person is required to travel to field sites within 150 km of Saskatoon. Overtime may be required on some week days during peak measurements in July and August.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Oversee and implement the following tasks. Seed sourcing (obtaining varieties from industry and plant breeders), seed set up, measuring field plots for plant population density, rating plants, using light meters and crop physiology instrumentation to measure light use, obtaining biomass samples, preparing and measuring plant material in the lab and field, grinding samples and measuring nitrogen content, using spectroscopy instrumentation, managing sample inventory, data entry and preliminary data analysis, preparing reports as needed. Assisting graduate students with measurements. Supervising summer students. Setting up and taking down weather stations, and data downloading. 

Education: This position requires a minimum of a BSC and field experience in Plant or Crop Science / Agronomy / Applied Biology. Some laboratory or instrument experience is advantageous. Non-Canadian applicants must be eligible to work in Canada at the time of application. Candidates whose first language is not English and whose degrees are not from a university that instructs in English must provide a certificate of English proficiency (TOEFL of 86 or more with 19 or more in each category, or IELTS of 7 or more).

Licenses: The person requires a current valid Canadian driving license to travel to remote locations.

Experience: Preference will be given to individuals with plant and field experience, a strong interest in crop physiology and one or more of the following areas (stress physiology, plant nutrition, plant breeding, agronomy, agricultural extension, instrument experience, data entry and management), and a proven track record of timeliness, meeting deadlines /publishing research reports.

Skills: A highly motivated person interested in field and laboratory research in Crop Physiology. Ability to lift 20 kg, ability to walk into fields and measure field plants outside in spring, summer and early fall weather conditions. Ability to work as an individual and in a team. The position requires quantitative proficiency and attention to detail, plus good speaking and communicating ability. 

To apply :  Interested candidates can apply online and should include a short (1/2 page) cover letter, current CV /resume outlining relevant research & work experience (2-3 pages), scientific publications/evidence of meeting deadlines, contacts for three references, English proficiency unless the BSc / MSC was taught in English from a Univ. Saskatchewan-approved University, and copies of degree transcripts as A SINGLE DOCUMENT IN PDF FORMAT. This pdf file will be named “CROPTECH24_ and your family name”. We will contact the best qualified applicant/s to proceed to an interview.

Contact: Dr. Rosalind Bueckert by email: