Research Technician, R&D Contract – Biological Crop Protection (12m contract) #JP-31-2025

Come join Canada’s leader in horticulture research and innovation!

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) can help you grow your career because we are looking for a Research Technician to join our amazing team.

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is a uniquely Canadian results-oriented organization dedicated to horticulture science and innovation. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization, funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

We deliver innovative products, solutions and services through an integrated and collaborative cross-country network to advance Canada’s research and commercialization agenda.

What we’re looking for…

You will be assigned to and provide support with the execution of field, greenhouse and lab activities for various internal and contract projects administered by the Program Directors and Scientists with Research & Development (R&D).

*This position will report to the Director, BCP and provide shared support between the Biological Crop Protection and Crop Enhancement & Adaptation programs.

Contract Term:

Duration: >12 months

Why work for us…

Our people are the most important asset in achieving our goals and are known in the world for their excellence in science and entrepreneurship. Our staff enjoys an exciting and challenging work environment noted for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Vineland strives to create an environment that brings the power of diversity to life. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates including women, Indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities and racialized groups, persons with disabilities, persons of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and others. In accordance with all applicable provincial accessibility standards, accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process.

And there’s more…

Flexible work arrangement
Competitive Salary
Employee perks
Company Events

Learn more about us.

Duties & Responsibilities

What you’ll do…

Work closely with applicable R&D staff; greenhouse and field managers; lab staff to carry out daily research tasks, review projects, experimental design and review results.
Assist in coordinating and monitoring greenhouse and field experiments, including sampling plants, soils and substrates in the field and greenhouse.
Conduct data collection and maintain detailed records of activities.
Keep up to date on methods for plant health assessments and phenotyping of plant material; conduct plant assessments with photographs and physical measurements, where applicable.

Portfolio Details – Biological Crop Protection (BCP) Portfolio

In addition to the job summary and qualifications, the BCP portfolio may include:

Overview

Reporting to the Director, BCP, this position will have a focus on arthropods in ornamental and production research on ornamental and edible horticultural crops.

General

Perform day-to-day laboratory and field activities in biological control and integrated pest management research in ornamental and edible horticulture.
Maintain insect/mite colonies and plants as required.
Assist with experimental set-up, plant tissue sampling, data collection, entry and analysis.
Assist in the preparation of written reports and communication of research findings and other technical developments to stakeholders.
Share responsibility for the upkeep of the workspaces, equipment, MSDS records, electronic lab records and supplies.
Knowledge of horticultural crop production, entomology, biological control and/or IPM.
Insect or mite handling skills.
Experience in Entomology and plant science is required.
Experience in integrated pest management is preferred.
Research experience is preferred but not required.
Pesticide Applicator License is preferred.

Crop Enhancement & Adaptation (CEA) Portfolio

In addition to the job summary and qualifications, the CEA portfolio may include:

Assist with sowing seeds, transplanting seedlings, plant pruning, staking, clipping, suckering, harvesting, and seed extraction and storage.

(*A more comprehensive position outline is available upon request.)

Qualifications

Qualifications

Undergraduate Degree or Diploma in plant or horticultural sciences, greenhouse technician, agriculture or equivalent.
Minimum of one (1) year of greenhouse hydroponics experience and be familiar with many aspects of plant
One (1) year experience working in the field or greenhouse in support of scientific research.

Knowledge and Skills

Greenhouse experience – able to grow, transplant, prune and harvest plant materials and/or
Field experience – experience performing field trials is an asset.
Data collection – experience taking notes on plants and managing large datasets in an organized
Ability to identify common greenhouse pests (i.e. aphids, thrips, mites) or plant nutrient

We look forward to hearing from you!

Submit your application online and quote reference #JP-31-2025 to:

Website: www.vinelandresearch.com
E-mail: careers@vinelandresearch.com

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, 4890 Victoria Avenue North, Box 4000, Vineland Station, Ontario, Canada, L0R 2E0

(*Please note that this location is not accessible by public transportation.)

We appreciate all applications received, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Full Time Position

Closing date: September 12, 2025

Location: Vineland Research and Development Centre, Vineland Station, Ontario

Apply Today

Please fill out the online application for this position. You will receive confirmation that your application has been received. Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Our people are the most important asset in achieving our goals and are known in the world for excellence in science and entrepreneurship.

Our staff enjoys outstanding benefits and an exciting and challenging work environment noted for collaboration and knowledge sharing all set against a backdrop of natural beauty.

Career Opportunity