Key Responsibilities

Molecular Diagnostics & Assay Development

• Design, optimize, and validate PCR, qPCR, and LAMP-based assays for detection of agricultural pathogens including plant pathogens, soil-borne organisms, and livestock parasites.
• Develop and refine primer sets and probe designs for target organisms relevant to Canadian crop and livestock systems.
• Perform specificity, sensitivity, and cross-reactivity testing, support lyophilized biological product formulation and stability studies.
• Assist in technology transfer and scale-up activities related to diagnostic kit development.

Sample Handling & Laboratory Operations

• Handle agricultural sample matrices (soil, plant tissue, fecal, biological isolates) under appropriate biosafety conditions; perform nucleic acid extraction and quality assessment.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and master mixes with high accuracy; maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment (thermocyclers, qPCR instruments, lyophilizers).
• Conduct controlled challenge studies and incubation experiments with biological agents under defined conditions.

Quality, Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain detailed experimental records in accordance with GLP and ISO 13485 standards; contribute to SOP writing, validation reports, and regulatory documents (CFIA, PMRA).
• Support QC processes for internal audits; ensure proper reagent inventory, cold-chain handling, and waste disposal in compliance with safety and biosafety standards.
• Provide the R&D Supervisor with regular activity reports; liaise with academic collaborators on joint field study protocols.
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  Identify and suggest process improvements for efficiency, reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Qualifications

Required

• Diploma or degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biology, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Proven experience with basic laboratory techniques
• Hands-on experience with PCR and qPCR – required.
• Experience handling sensitive, high-value reagents with precision and care.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage concurrent experiments.
• Proven written and oral communication skills in English; strong computer competency.

Strong Assets

• Experience with primer design tools, isothermal amplification (LAMP/RPA), or lyophilized reagent/diagnostic kit development.
• Familiarity with agricultural, environmental, or food safety pathogen diagnostics.
• Knowledge of CFIA, PMRA, or Canadian agricultural regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in a regulated lab setting (ISO, GMP, GLP); exposure to biological control products, fungal cultures, or nematophagous organisms.

Key Traits

• Detail-oriented, reliable, and accountable with strong problem-solving instincts.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced R&D environment; curious about agricultural science and motivated by real-world impact.
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  Flexible with scheduling to accommodate experimental timelines.

Evik Diagnostic Innovations Inc. is committed to equity and diversity in the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. This is a 1-year contract position with potential for renewal.