Research Assistant

Northwestern Polytechnic

  • Beaverlodge, AB
  • Temporary
  • Full-time
  • 12 days ago
Northwestern PolytechnicNorthwestern Polytechnic (formerly GPRC) is a comprehensive community institution, established in 1966 in Grande Prairie, and our stewardship region includes campuses in Fairview and Grande Prairie. NWP offers a wide variety of credit and non-credit career certificates and diplomas, pre-employment and apprenticeship trades, university transfer studies, and several opportunities for on-campus degree completion through collaborations with four-year universities. As an educational facility in northwestern Alberta, NWP helps meet the cultural, recreational, athletic and conferencing needs of the region in partnership with community and regional stakeholders. NWP is dedicated to providing learners with access to high quality and diverse lifelong learning opportunities, and to the responsible educational, fiscal and environmental stewardship of resources.The DepartmentNational Bee Diagnostic Centre - Technology Access Centre (NBDC-TAC) is a research initiative of the School of Applied Research at Northwestern Polytechnic (formerly GPRC)​ which provides diagnostic services for researchers, beekeepers, and agencies across Canada with the aim to contribute towards a healthy, sustainable and profitable apiculture in Canada. NBDC-TAC is seeking to hire a temporary Research Assistant at our state-of-the-art laboratory in Beaverlodge, Alberta to assist with honey-bee research.The RoleThe successful candidate for this position will contribute to the NBDC research team that is working to develop DNA-barcoding to identify pollen in bee samples.This is temporary full time position with the possibility of extension. This is an in-person position based on our laboratory in Beaverlodge.Our experiments involve high-throughput molecular profiling of the pollen sampled from honey and other bee matrixes then analyzing the resulting data sets for insights about plant composition and diversity of forage.Coordination and collaboration within interdisciplinary research teams (that combine biology, statistics and data science) is a key aspect of this research.Responsibilities include:
  • Contribute to experimental workflows for profiling the molecular contents and biological states of thousands of pollen samples, contributing to all aspects including planning experiments; creating DNA-barcoding reagents; extracting nuclei from pollen and bees; preparing molecular libraries; and high-throughput DNA sequencing.
  • Optimize and execute molecular-biological reactions such as PCR and high-throughput sequencing.
  • Write protocols, reports and other scientific documents.
  • Assist to develop and deliver training and outreach activities
  • Work effectively in a team environment, participate in meetings, and communicate clearly and professionally with other team members, site managers, and industry professionals.
  • Contribute to other projects as needed.
What We OfferThis position will be 35 hours/week September 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024 with the possibility of extension.Join our team, grow with us and connect your skills and abilities to our vision, mission and values.Job RequirementsJOB REQUIREMENTSQualification: Education and ExperienceBachelor's degree in biology (relevant course work in molecular biology and invertebrates).At least one year of laboratory experience in metabarcoding, library preparation and NGS.One or more-years related work experience with at least 6 months working in apiculture.The candidate will also be highly motivated, possess excellent time-management skills, and MUST be free from known honey bee allergies.Skills / AbilitiesSubject knowledge and oral/written communication skills to discuss and document research progress. Ability to work independently, accurately and to problem solve technical and methodological issues that arise during the course of the research. Ability to critically read and discuss scientific research publications. Ability to apply sound research techniques, methodology and logical critical analysis. Strong organization and interpersonal skills. High personal motivation and detail-orientation.Candidates shall clearly demonstrate evidence of contribution to research and how CV applies to this position. Cover letter is mandatory.Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and BelongingWe are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals.How to ApplyOnly applications received electronically will be considered. To apply, go to http://www.nwpolytech.ca/careers and select the job posting.We review all applications to select candidates whose qualifications and experience most closely meet our needs.Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. For general inquiries, please contact HR at humanresources@nwpolytech.caThank you for applying to NWP!Appointment Date From:9/1/2023Appointment Date To:4/30/2024Salary Grade$0.00 - $0.00Organizational UnitNorthwestern Polytechnic -> School of Applied Research and InnovationLocationBeaverlodge, AB T0H 0C0 CA (Primary)
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4C4 CA

Northwestern Polytechnic