Research Assistant – Greenhouse Strawberry Production with LED Light

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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to Dr. Li Ma, and various project research leaders involved in research projects with the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture.

SUMMARY

The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) partners with agricultural and agri-technology companies in our region to support innovation with research and development projects that promote sustainability in the sector. Current projects include designing and implementing experiments to optimize greenhouse strawberry production and disease and pest management with dynamic LED lighting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work as part of a team to help set up trials with LED lights, plants, fungi and/or insects, or agritech innovations.
• Execute assays to optimize LED light recipes on strawberries, pests, and beneficials in the greenhouse.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and present data.
• Meet regularly with the project PI to discuss experiment progress, results, and potential adjustments to the research plan.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports based on the research findings.
• Undertake any other duties as may be assigned to support the successful execution of the experiments in the lab and/or in the greenhouse.
• Adheres to standard procedures for generating, documenting, and archiving data.
• Stay focused even when tasks get repetitive.
• Use and practice your critical thinking skills to address challenges and interpret results.

QUALIFICATIONS

• This is a Mitacs-funded position and therefore the successful candidate must be a student or a recent graduate within 2 years of graduation with a degree or diploma and eligible for the Mitacs Accelerate program (https://www.mitacs.ca/our-programs/accelerate-core-students-postdocs/).
• Experience or coursework in horticulture, biology, chemistry, microbiology, working in labs or greenhouses is an asset. Lab work requires WHMIS training
• Experience in setting up research trials, collecting and analyzing data
• Reasonable physically fitness level. Some greenhouse work includes potting and unpotting plants, moving pots around, pruning, harvesting, and cleaning after a trial

Salary Information

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $23.00

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more! Note: eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary if the position is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.