Water Microbiology Technician - Research Assistant Technician III

Department: Environmental Sciences 
This position is classified under the Grant and Trust Administrative & Technical Group

Temporary full-time from 09/09/2025   to 09/09/2028  

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

Our research team is dedicated to the Surveillance and Control of Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Environment, predominately focusing on how to monitor and model the risks that waterborne pathogens and other pollutants pose to human life. The research program is led by the Canada Excellence in Research Chair (CERC) in Waterborne Pathogens: Surveillance, Prediction and Mitigation. Our primary areas of research are smart sampling systems, lab-based pathogen and AMR detection, novel low-cost water quality sensor development, source tracking, modelling and risk estimation, and novel green infrastructure-based pathogen treatment systems. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Water Microbiologist to join our team.

General outline of duties: This position will play a key role in lab-based pathogen and AMR detection. They will be required to establish, optimize and perform lab-based pathogen and AMR detection on a regular basis using culture-based and molecular methods; they will be responsible for the proper tracking, documentation, storage, and processing of water samples based on establish procedures; they will participate in field research, including the planning and execution of water sampling and sensing campaigns and coordination of field research teams; will be responsible for data collection, screening and quality control and will be expected to follow best data management practices; they will be involved in the general support of research activities for a growing and dynamic interdisciplinary research team.  

Our research environment is highly collaborative. Candidates who bring a positive and team-focused attitude, who thrive managing multiple tasks, are highly adaptive and flexible, and enjoy working within a fast-paced environment, will be most successful in this role.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator, students and staff to meet project milestones
• Work proactively, alongside the Principal Investigator, to anticipate future research needs and resources when possible
• Independently performs routine water sampling and analysis. Assists with conducting or running experiments or research work following standardized guidelines and procedures, including recording and/or coding data requiring some judgement/interpretation
• Develop, validate, and execute new or optimized methods. This will include the preparation of research documentation, including but not limited to lab protocols and manuals, data collection forms, SOPs, and records, including those required to meet regulatory compliance and quality assurance.
• Communicate technical information accurately and effectively in oral, written, visual and electronic forms. The applicant will be expected to serves as a source of information on standard research techniques, trains others in technical procedures or operations, including use of precision laboratory equipment and instruments, and provide guidance to students on use of equipment or standard research techniques for their research projects
• Sets up, test, calibrate, operate and maintain complex laboratory and other equipment; communicate equipment status to team members; some troubleshooting to resolve equipment malfunctions before arranging for repairs.

• Supports data management, performs preliminary analysis and reporting to meet program deliverables for research projects and grants. Recognizes obvious deviations in research results and flags for senior researcher to address
• Support the knowledge translation and transfer of research outcomes to project stakeholders. This may include contributes to initial drafts of scientific reports, manuscripts, grant proposals and other research presentations.
• Organizes laboratory and stock, maintains inventory, replenishing/ordering supplies as required. This includes the preparation of media, buffer, reagents, solutions, cultures and related material according to specifications for routine laboratory use.
• Initiating/signoff on LVPOs and completing account reconciliations, following specific guidelines and processes.
• Perform work responsibilities adhering to standards of professional conduct, professional ethics, and team guidelines and expectations
• Contribute to the technical proficiency of the team through acquisition of knowledge and abilities related to tools, technologies, software, and systems relevant to the research program

Requirements

• Bachelors of Science in Microbiology, Environmental Science, Environmental Microbiology, Water Sciences, Water Quality, Water Science and Environmental Health, or Water Resource Management, combined with 3 years of relevant laboratory experience in water or environmental microbiology. Equivalent combination of education and experience are encouraged to apply (e.g. College Diploma in Environmental Technology and relevant experience).
• Demonstrated experience in setting up, testing, optimizing and validating a variety of culture-based and molecular microbiology techniques including; aseptic culture, strain isolation, DNA extraction, qPCR, primer design and validation.

Additional Requirements:

• Strong understanding of scientific principles and data management and quality control

• Knowledge of and experience with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) pathogens

• Demonstrated experience with the operation, maintenance, and/or calibration of general laboratory equipment: centrifuges, autoclaves, analytical balances, thermocyclers, incubators, spectrophotometers, sample blenders (e.g. bead beaters or stomachers), vacuum filters.
• Demonstrated experience with general administrative duties including sourcing and procurement of reagents and supplies; tracking and maintenance of inventory; documentation and tracking of lab-related expenses; preparing and ensuring compliance with standard operation procedures; training students and staff on established protocols and procedures; overseeing daily operations and lab information systems. 
• Proficient in word processing and spreadsheet software
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, providing innovative and creative contributions and seeking opportunities for improvement
• Demonstrated attention to detail, effective time management, and strong organizational skills that include setting priorities, and meeting deadlines
• Valid Driver’s License as travel to field sites may be required

Preferred experience:

• Demonstrated experience with specialized laboratory techniques or instruments would be considered an asset, including: IDEXX assays (e.g. Colilert), multiplex PCR assays (e.g. TaqArray), KingFisher instruments, 3D printers, and/or Nanopore Sequencers (e.g. GridION).

• Demonstrated field work experience in water sampling and assessment including grab sampling and on-site measurement of water quality indicators (pH, DO, temperature, EC, salinity, etc.) would be considered an asset.

• Demonstrated experience with advanced field sampling and monitoring techniques and equipment would be considered an asset; including passive sampling, ultrafiltration, and/or installation and maintenance of water sensors.
• Experience in a research environment (academic or industry) would be considered an asset.
• Expertise in any of the following areas is considered an asset: water policy, water resources, watershed management, hydrology, water chemistry, freshwater ecology, remote sensing, water quality data management and analysis

Employee Type: Temporary  
Classification: Grant/ Trust fund position, Band  GTAT - Band C 
GTAT (Grant & Trust Administrative and Technical) Salary Grid 

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 08/22/2025 
Close Date: 09/12/2025