Associate Scientist, Industrial Biotechnology

The Opportunity

Our client, a pioneering biotechnology company based at Western Research Parks in London, Ontario, is hiring a Lab Technician to join their growing team. In this role, you will execute routine microbial quality control, support research experiments under technical suprervision, record accurate data, and escalate issues quickly while collaborating with the laboratory team.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, hands-on startup environment where the Lab Technician can contribute directly to both routine laboratory operations and the execution of meaningful agricultural research.

Employment Type: Full-Time Permanent

Location: London, Ontario (onsite)

What You'll Do  

1. Fermentation, Bioprocessing and Formulation

• Perform media screening and optimization to support fermentation of microbial strains for biofertilizer production.
  
• Set up, operate, and monitor bioreactors (up to 10 L) and other bioprocess equipment of different sizes, including sterilization, inoculation, sampling, and in-process monitoring.
  
• Support both R&D fermentation development and routine production batches, including batch preparation, equipment cleaning, and sterilization.
  
• Carry out downstream processing steps such as centrifugation, drying, and blending, using equipment at different scales.
  
• Support product formulation and help transfer processes from bench scale toward production.
  
• Weigh and charge raw materials, and help with blending, packaging, and labelling of finished product batches.
  
• Record batch and process data accurately and help troubleshoot fermentation runs.
  
• Work closely with the upstream, QC, and other teams to ensure smooth handoffs from fermentation to finished product.
  

2. Routine Microbial QC

• Prepare microbiology media for plates, broths, flasks, cultures, and QC testing, and prepare samples for analysis.
  
• Perform plating, microbial enumeration, routine culture maintenance, and inoculations using aseptic technique.
  
• Conduct contamination checks, product and culture testing, and other routine QC assays.
  
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely laboratory records, QC logs, data sheets, and sample traceability documentation.
  
• Keep laboratory workspaces, materials, cultures, and supplies clean, organized, and ready for use.
  

3. Plant-Microbe Research Support (As Needed)

• Execute research protocols developed by the team and follow approved experimental procedures exactly.
  
• Set up and maintain plant-microbe efficacy experiments in controlled environments, including grow tents.
  
• Prepare and apply microbial treatments while maintaining clear labelling, treatment separation, and experimental controls.
  
• Monitor plant growth and environmental conditions, and record study performance indicators consistently.
  
• Take measurements and photographs, collect samples, and maintain complete and accurate experimental records.
  
• Support harvest activities, sample processing, analytical work, and trial execution across row crops and greenhouse crops.
  

4.  General Laboratory Responsibilities

• Follow all laboratory safety, biosafety, including Biosafety Level 1 and 2 (BSL-1/BSL-2) practices, and standard operating procedures.
  
• Coordinate day-to-day activities with upstream, QC, research, and other cross-functional teams to keep fermentation, production, QC and research work on schedule.
  
• Report protocol deviations, contamination concerns, equipment issues, and unusual results promptly.
  
• Support additional QC, research, production, harvest, and laboratory operations tasks as assigned, and participate in team meetings.
  

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Bioprocess Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related life-science discipline.
  
• Practical hands-on laboratory experience; experience with microbial culture, aseptic handling, plating, or enumeration is strongly preferred.
  
• An understanding of microbial fermentation, or a strong willingness to learn it; training will be provided.
  
• Working knowledge of Biosafety Level 1 and 2 (BSL-1/BSL-2) laboratory practices.
  
• Comfort operating bioreactors, centrifuges, dryers, blenders, and other bioprocess equipment of different sizes, with an understanding of downstream processing and formulation (or eagerness to learn).
  
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 kg (e.g., media components, carboys, product bags) and to stand for extended periods during fermentation and production runs.
  
• Comfort following established laboratory and research protocols carefully and consistently.
  
• Strong attention to detail, with accurate documentation, measurement, and data-recording skills.
  
• Reliable and organized, with clear communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, including across departments.
  
• A genuine interest in agriculture, plants, soil, environmental science, microbiology, fermentation, biofertilizers, and biological technologies, with the ability to work onsite at our lab at Western University campus in London, ON.
  
• Genuine enthusiasm for the field and a desire to grow with the company in a long-term role.
  

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