Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated and adaptable Technical Assistant to support our Research & Development activities. The ideal candidate will have a background in microbiology, food science, or a related field, with hands-on laboratory experience and a strong willingness to learn and work with emerging technologies.
This position will support laboratory testing, experimental treatments, product development, and research activities. The candidate must be comfortable working in a dynamic R&D environment where experimental procedures and treatment parameters may change as projects develop.
Key Responsibilities
· Perform microbiological laboratory analyses, including sample preparation, plating, enumeration, and recording of results.
· Prepare and organize laboratory materials, media, solutions, equipment, supplies required for experiments and documentation.
· Assist with the preparation and execution of food safety and decontamination treatments.
· Operate and assist with testing of new and innovative food treatment technologies.
· Support research and development projects related to food safety, product development, and process optimization.
· Assist with the design and development of new products and treatment applications.
· Follow experimental protocols while remaining flexible when procedures or treatment parameters need to be modified.
· Collect, organize, and maintain accurate laboratory and experimental data.
· Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory and work areas.
· Follow laboratory, food safety, and workplace safety procedures.
· Assist with equipment setup, cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
· Support sample handling, labeling, preparation, storage, and disposal according to established procedures.
· Communicate experimental observations, results, and potential issues to the R&D team.
· Participate in other technical activities as required to support ongoing research projects.
Qualifications
· Diploma, bachelor's degree, or technical education in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Food Science, Food Safety, Agriculture, or a related field.
· Basic understanding of microbiological principles.
· Previous laboratory experience is an asset.
· Experience with microbiological plating and enumeration techniques is preferred.
· Ability to accurately follow laboratory procedures and protocols.
· Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills.
· Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team. Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond positively to changes in experimental procedures and project priorities.
· Willingness to learn and work with new and emerging technologies.
· Comfortable working in a hands-on R&D environment involving experimental treatments and product testing.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is someone who is hands-on, curious, reliable, adaptable, and interested in research and innovation. This person should be comfortable working in an environment where not every experiment follows a fixed routine and where new technologies, treatment approaches, and product concepts are continuously being evaluated.
Work Environment
This position will involve a combination of laboratory work, experimental activities, sample preparation, treatment trials, and R&D support. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute directly to the development and evaluation of innovative technologies for food safety and food processing applications.
Pay: $17.95-$25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Ability to commute/relocate:
- St. Catharines, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- Laboratory : 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
