DNA Analysis Scientist

Department: LSD Agriculture and Food Laboratory

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

Temporary full-time from 01/13/2025 to 12/31/2026

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

Join our team within the Laboratory Services Division, Molecular Biology Laboratory. Using your scientific and technical expertise and practical laboratory experience as a professional scientist with a deep understanding of DNA/RNA analysis, genomics and bioinformatics principles at a research level you will be part of a team providing comprehensive and complex molecular testing services to academic, government and industry clients from agriculture, food, environment and other sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities

With responsibility for molecular assay development, validation and implementation and non-routine services, you will take a lead role in the establishment of new and improved molecular methods and provision of services to meet ever-changing needs of academic and government researchers and industry professionals. You will also be developing and continuously improving molecular methods via working with clients and applying/ obtaining external research grants. You will be accountable for ensuring full satisfaction of clients by providing expert level recommendations in molecular methods, applying scientifically sound approaches, timely completion of projects, provision of accurate and cost-effective analytical results and sound scientific interpretations, generation of publication quality reports, establishment of and adherence to appropriate QA/QC standards and successful maintenance of ISO accreditation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, or a related discipline from a University of recognized standing, combined with 3-6 years of laboratory hands-on and research experience in molecular methods, encompassing:
  • Microbial detection, identification, typing, quantification, genome sequencing and profiling; plant/animal/fish species identification, quantification and profiling;
  • Plant variety/cultivar identification, GMO testing;
  • Food safety and food fraud investigations;
  • Animal genetic disease/trait gene screening;
  • Generic molecular analyses, such as Sanger DNA sequencing, high throughput sequencing, DNA synthesis, DNA fingerprinting, and advanced PCR technologies.
• Proven experience conducting molecular method development, evaluation and implementation within a diagnostic lab environment;
• Experience with tracking records and solid writing skills of scientific publications and research grants;
• Exceptional organizational and project management strengths to manage multiple projects simultaneously within an ISO-accredited laboratory to meet dynamic needs of clients and tight deadlines;
• Strong communication, networking and leadership skills to effectively present and implement new initiatives to a diverse client base, academic and professional audience, peers and others;
• Demonstrated analytical skills and creativity to assess client needs, and arrive at effective solutions to solve complex analytical problems; solid working experience using bioinformatics, statistical and instrument software programs.

Employee Type: Temporary
Position Number: 10914409
Classification: P&M FT- Band 06
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

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: 12/18/2024
Closing Date: 01/08/2025