Lab Technician, Agricultural Biotechnology

The Opportunity

Our client, a pioneering biotechnology company based at Western Research Parks in London, Ontario, is hiring a Lab Technician to join their growing team. In this role, you will execute routine microbial quality control, support research experiments under technical suprervision, record accurate data, and escalate issues quickly while collaborating with the laboratory team.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, hands-on startup environment where the Lab Technician can contribute directly to both routine laboratory operations and the execution of meaningful agricultural research.

Employment Type: Part-time, with the opportunity to progress to full-time based on individual performance and business needs

Work Schedule: 30 hours per week

Location: London, Ontario (onsite)

What You'll Do

1. Routine Microbial QC

• Prepare microbiology media for plates, broths, flasks, cultures, and QC testing, and prepare samples for analysis.
  
• Perform plating, microbial enumeration, routine culture maintenance, and inoculations using aseptic technique.
  
• Conduct contamination checks, product and culture testing, and other routine QC assays.
  
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely laboratory records, QC logs, data sheets, and sample traceability documentation.
  
• Keep laboratory workspaces, materials, cultures, and supplies clean, organized, and ready for use.
  

2. Research Experiment Execution and Plant-Microbe Efficacy

• Execute research protocols developed by the team and follow approved experimental procedures exactly.
  
• Set up and maintain plant-microbe efficacy experiments in controlled environments, including grow tents.
  
• Prepare and apply microbial treatments while maintaining clear labelling, treatment separation, and experimental controls.
  
• Monitor plant growth and environmental conditions, and record study performance indicators consistently.
  
• Take measurements and photographs, collect samples, and maintain complete and accurate experimental records.
  
• Support harvest activities, sample processing, analytical work, and trial execution across row crops and greenhouse crops.
  

3. General Laboratory Responsibilities

• Follow all laboratory safety, biosafety, and standard operating procedures.
  
• Coordinate day-to-day activities with the team and the laboratory team to keep QC and research work on schedule.
  
• Report protocol deviations, contamination concerns, equipment issues, and unusual results promptly.
  
• Support additional QC, research, harvest, and laboratory operations tasks as assigned, and participate in team meetings.
  

Requirements

• A diploma or degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a related life-science discipline.
  
• Practical hands-on laboratory experience; experience with microbial culture, aseptic handling, plating, or enumeration is strongly preferred.
  
• Comfort following established laboratory and research protocols carefully and consistently.
  
• Strong attention to detail, with accurate documentation, measurement, and data-recording skills.
  
• Reliable and organized, with clear communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  
• A genuine interest in agriculture, plants, soil, environmental science, microbiology, and biological technologies, with the ability to work onsite at our lab at Western University campus (London, ON).
  

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