Research Associate

Reporting to the Lead Research Scientist (Plant Breeding), the Research Associate (Plant Breeding) will work closely with plant breeders to develop new borage cultivars with increased active ingredient and improved bio-absorption of borage seed oil by improving characteristics of borage triacylglycerol. This position will work out of a research laboratory on the University of Saskatchewan campus.

Core Responsibilities:

• Develops breeding methodology (crossing, radiation and ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis) to create variation in borage population;
• Designs and conducts breeding experiments to develop breeding lines;
• Maintains and phenotypes the selected breeding populations in fields and/or greenhouses;
• Analyses of fatty acid profiles and positions of triacylglycerol of borage seeds using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and/or gas chromatography (GC).

Qualifications:

• PhD in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related area with a strong background in molecular breeding approaches;
• Experience with plant breeding, genetics, genome-wide association studies, genotyping, genomic selection, biochemistry, lipid analysis and profiling, and strategies to mutation breeding;
• Prior working experience in field and greenhouse or growth chambers;
• Minimum of 2-3 years of prior experiences in biochemical analysis employing TLC and GC;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented, and multidisciplinary industrial research environment;
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft office (Word, Excel, and Outlook);
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and record keeping.

Individuals who are interested in the above position, are invited to submit their application (including a minimum of 2 references) to human resources via email to [email protected]. Bioriginal thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted.

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