Lab Technician, Agricultural Biotechnology

Job Description

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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Requirements
- Strong interest in developing a career that combines bio science, business development, marketing, and project execution. - Work experience in customer-facing, sales, business development, or marketing roles. - Previous experience in agriculture, agri-biotech, biotechnology, biological products, or a laboratory environment. - Recent laboratory or research experience, including microbiology, plant science, or product efficacy testing. - Exposure to regulatory affairs or regulatory documentation. - Excellent organization and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities across multiple teams simultaneously. - Experience with preparing professional presentations, reports, proposals, spreadsheets, and other business materials. - Experience working directly with a founder, CEO, senior executive, or startup leadership team. - Experience with CRM or project-management systems. - Strong written and verbal communication skills. - Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain organized documentation. - Comfortable interacting with clients, partners, scientists, employees, and senior business leaders. - Ability to handle confidential and commercially sensitive information professionally. - Comfortable working in a growing company where priorities and responsibilities can evolve quickly. - Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, particularly PowerPoint/Slides, Word/Docs, and Excel/Sheets.