Research Associate, Laboratory

Company Overview

Farmers Business Network®* (*FBN®) is on a mission to power the prosperity of family farmers and rural communities around the world, transforming how the world farms with an integrated, technology-enabled agricultural platform.

We offer high ROI farm inputs, fintech and sustainability products and services powered by network data, and farm-tested insights from our global farmer community. Our platform helps FBN® members make confident decisions to ensure the economic viability of their farms, while also empowering them to be a part of the solution as the global community confronts its most pressing issues: providing food security for a growing population, transitioning to more sustainable agriculture, and responding to climate change.

We are a dynamic, innovative, and mission-driven AgTech company that offers competitive compensation and benefits as well as boundless career mobility. We are backed by top investors, including Fidelity, ADM, Google Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, DBL Partners, T Rowe Price and Temasek. We have been featured in these articles by the Wall Street Journal and Forbes, and were also named "One of the 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World" by Fast Company Magazine.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Research Associate is a key contributor to FBN’s scientific innovation and leadership in the area of researching, developing and executing double haploid (DH) production in Canola and other broad acre crops. The Research Associate’s skill and knowledge will be relied upon to carry out DH production in canola and assist in plant pathology projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform all tasks of DH production while following protocol through all steps of the process

  • Plant maintenance (water, fertigation, trimming, other treatments)
  • Picking buds (bud sizing, isolation)
  • Media preparation and change
  • Embryo monitoring/maintenance
  • Cleaning and sanitization (operate autoclave, clean lab utensils, understanding of aseptic techniques)

• Perform all tasks in plant pathology projects

  • Maintenance of source inoculum
  • Production of inoculum
  • Plant inoculation
  • Scoring disease incidence and severity under the supervision of a Plant Pathologist

• Provide maintenance and care for all plants in growth chambers/cabinets

• Troubleshoot growth chambers/cabinets to ensure optimal growth conditions (communicate with Physical Plant when necessary)

• Perform leaf tissue sampling to send to laboratory

• Accurately calculate dilution/concentration rates

• Organize and maintain accurate data records through entire lab process

• Responsibilities for chemical and lab supply inventory and ordering

• Help train and supervise Assistants

• Assist and collaborate with other functions in the breeding program as needed to ensure the successful progression of breeding objectives. Which may include occasional other laboratory activities (pathology, wet chemistry, grain analysis), in greenhouse, or outdoor field trials.

• Other duties as required

Qualifications

Formal Education or Equivalent

• Diploma, Certificate or Degree in Agriculture, Laboratory Work, Plant Science, Plant Management or equivalent required (B.Sc. preferred)
• Familiarity/training in WHMIS, MSDS

Years of Experience

• Minimum 1 year experience in Laboratory environment or Plant Science
• Experience in working with aseptic techniques
• Experience in double haploid production is an asset

Characteristics

• Passionate about agriculture, farming and desire to put Farmers First®
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced start-up environment
• Knowledge of plant physiology and/or plant pathology
• Highly independent, goal-oriented and solution driven
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Self-starter
• Ability to work well within time constraints, able to effectively prioritize in a high demand environment within multiple locations
• Excellent hand/eye coordination (fine motor skills)
• Detail oriented
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks accurately
• Must be able to travel ~10% of the time

*The following represents FBN's reasonable estimate of the Canada national average base salary range of possible compensation for this role based on market data and placement of internal employees: $22-24/hr. *

This salary range may vary based on geography and variations in cost of labor. Beyond the above or adjusted to market salary range, FBN also offers all full-time employees competitive equity compensation, health and wellness benefits, and various perks.

FBN is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. FBN considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. ******We participate in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program here.****** FBN is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please fill out this form.