Plant Pathology Specialist

Location: Vegreville, AB (Canada)
Required Education: B.S.
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $75,000 (CAD) - $90,000 (CAD)
Area(s) of expertise desired: Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Plant Breeding & Genetics
Job Code: PP2500

Description:

Are you a leader looking for a dynamic opportunity in the Seeds Industry and have a drive for Innovation in Biotechnology and Commercialization of agricultural products?

We are seeking a multifaceted individual to lead the development, execution and management of bioassays for advancing gene edited trait products and to support product development field trials in the Western Prairies. Cibus has an immediate opening for a Plant Pathology Specialist in Product Development located in the InnotechAB Agricultural Research Farm and Controlled Environment Centre, located in Vegreville, AB (CANADA) (remote based).

Cibus is a biotechnology company with advanced technologies to precisely target and direct a plant’s natural gene-editing processes. This approach accelerates natural plant breeding that has been a staple of farming for thousands of years and has resulted in a rapid, versatile and low-cost way to produce sustainable industrial and agricultural products and improve human health by safely harnessing nature's own genetic diversity.

The company has a worldwide presence, with subsidiaries in Europe and North America and state-of-the-art research and development centers in San Diego, CA and Roseville, MN. Cibus has a pipeline of traits for canola and rice and is developing crop platforms and a pipeline of trait products in other major global crops including soybean, wheat and corn.

Requirements:

• B.S. or M.S. in one of the agricultural sciences, such as Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Plant Breeding & Genetics, or related field.
• 3+ years prior industry experience in plant pathology, agronomy or research, including knowledge of bioassay development and implementation and small plot field testing.

Role Responsibilities:

• Serve as an interface with host research team and institution.
• Development and validation of disease and agronomic performance bioassays.
• Ensure timely completion of trait evaluation growth chamber, greenhouse and field trial confirmation phase of testing for the designated territory.
• Production of disease inoculum to utilize in bioassays and field trials.
• Plan, manage and execute all activities necessary to deliver high quality data for statistical analysis and trait confirmation, including experimental design and data collection into breeding database software.
• Lead bioassay protocol development, and collaborate with Plant Pathology, Product Development, Greenhouse and Field Agronomy Teams to ensure trial objectives and data collection meet requirements for advancement decision-making process.
• Summarize data findings and communicate results to Plant Pathology and Product Development stakeholders.
• Monitor and evaluate research trials conducted through third party cooperators, including regular site visits and on-going management/maintenance feedback. Relationship management to maintain and expand this third-party network in key geographies.
• Establish and maintain industry presence and ensure that Cibus is up to date on current industry activities by participating in meetings and establishing contacts with external parties including key University researchers.

Knowledge, Experience, Skills:

• Experience with pathogen assay and handling plant pathogen culture.
• Knowledge and understanding plant pathology, plant breeding and molecular biology.
• Familiarity with disease rating under various growth environments.
• Familiarity with genotyping using PCR based marker tools.
• Knowledge and understanding of Integrated Pest Management principles and practices, plant propagation and culture methods, and soil and growth media preparation is required.
• Familiarity with fertilizers and pesticides, greenhouse and growth chamber lighting and control systems, and field crop species.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.

Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Exceptional ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, influence decision makers and effectively navigate remote and host relationships.
• Experience in developing and validating plant pathogen and agronomic bioassays.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and experimental design principles.
• Experience with breeding database software, including creating protocols and data analysis asset.
• Knowledge and experience with UAV technology and remote sensing tools an asset.
• Strong organizational and motivational skills, accurate record keeping, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a larger remote team.
• Strong foundation in following SOPs. Able to develop SOPs and perform troubleshooting on procedures.
• Ability to prioritize and adapt to changes in routine to achieve objectives.

Working Conditions:

• Position will require some travel during testing season to assist with trial oversight and data capture at cooperator testing locations in western Canada.
• Position will require some traveling to Cibus facilities in San Diego, CA and/or Roseville, MN
• Must be able to work flexible hours as required.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Cibus provides an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes medical/dental/vision, RRSP plan, vacation and sick leave. If you enjoy working as part of a team and want to participate in this exciting research, please e-mail your resume to and put down job code: PP2500.

ONLY CANDIDATES WITH WORK AUTHORIZATION IN CANADA ARE CONSIDERED AT THIS TIME.