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

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

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  Follow all laboratory safety, biosafety, and standard operating procedures.
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  Coordinate day-to-day activities with Raj and the laboratory team to keep QC and research work on schedule.
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  Report protocol deviations, contamination concerns, equipment issues, and unusual results promptly.
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  Support additional QC, research, harvest, and laboratory operations tasks as assigned, and participate in team meetings.

Requirements

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  A diploma or degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a related life-science discipline.
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  Practical hands-on laboratory experience; experience with microbial culture, aseptic handling, plating, or enumeration is strongly preferred.
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  Comfort following established laboratory and research protocols carefully and consistently.
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  Strong attention to detail, with accurate documentation, measurement, and data-recording skills.
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  Reliable and organized, with clear communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
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  A genuine interest in agriculture, plants, soil, environmental science, microbiology, and biological technologies, with the ability to work onsite at our lab at Western University campus (London, ON).