Research Trainee Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

This position has an initial appointment until December 31, 2028.

Location -   This role is in-person primarily at North Campus, Edmonton and various sites in Edmonton.

Position Summary

This position offers an exciting opportunity for an individual with strong expertise in plant pathology, molecular biology, quantitative genetics, and statistical analysis to contribute to cutting-edge research on economically important diseases affecting field crops in the Canadian Prairies, including canola, soybean, and pulse crops. The successful candidate will be engaged in an integrative research program that combines field, greenhouse, and laboratory approaches to advance our understanding of pathogen biology, host-pathogen interactions, and the environmental drivers of soilborne and vascular diseases. A key focus of the role is the development of practical, science-based disease management strategies that directly support sustainable agricultural production.

The incumbent will play a central role in designing, coordinating, and executing diverse research activities, ranging from large-scale field experiments and greenhouse pathogenicity assays to pathogen isolation, identification, and advanced molecular and genomic analyses. The position also involves robust quantitative data analysis using modern statistical tools such as R, ensuring high-quality interpretation and dissemination of research findings. In addition, the role supports collaborative initiatives between the University of Alberta and industry partners, including the evaluation of seed treatments, resistance screening programs, and innovative disease management technologies across multiple crops and pathogen systems.

Within the Plant Pathology research program, the successful candidate will provide technical leadership and continuity across ongoing projects, while actively mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate trainees in experimental design, laboratory techniques, and data analysis. The role also includes responsibility for managing research resources, coordinating procurement of materials, and ensuring adherence to laboratory safety and regulatory standards. Through these integrated activities, the position contributes to advancing fundamental and applied knowledge of crop diseases, strengthening industry-academic partnerships, and supporting resilient and sustainable crop production systems in Canada.

• Ph.D. in Plant Science, Plant Pathology, or a closely related discipline. 
• Minimum of three years of postdoctoral research experience in plant pathology, with emphasis on diseases of major field crops in the Canadian Prairies. 
• Extensive knowledge of soilborne and vascular diseases affecting canola, cereals, soybean, and pulse crops, including pathogen biology, disease epidemiology, and host-pathogen interactions.
• Demonstrated expertise in research on Verticillium stripe of canola caused by Verticillium longisporum, including pathogen isolation and characterization, pathogenicity testing, and host resistance evaluation under Prairie conditions. 
• Experience conducting pathogen surveys, disease diagnostics, resistance screening, and integrated disease management research for economically important crop diseases in western Canada. 
• Expertise in the biology and epidemiology of soilborne pathogens, including inoculum production, microsclerotia development, germination, and environmental influences on disease development.
• Experience investigating the interactions between abiotic stresses, including drought and salinity, and plant disease development in greenhouse and controlled-environment studies. 
• Proficiency in molecular, genomic, and microbiological techniques used in plant pathology research, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR-based diagnostics, pathogen identification, and transcriptomic analyses. 
• Advanced skills in experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and statistical modeling using specialized software, including R. 
• Demonstrated ability to design, coordinate, and manage complex research projects across field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments. 
• Experience collaborating with industry partners and multidisciplinary research teams on applied crop protection and disease management initiatives. 
• Strong record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences. 
• Proven ability to mentor and train graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate trainees in experimental methodologies, laboratory techniques, and data analysis. 
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the preparation and development of competitive research grant proposals and funded research projects. 
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Application Instructions

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This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $63,465 - $79,339.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.
 

Research Design and Project Development

• Plan & Coordinate: Support research projects on economically vital field crops (canola, soybean, pulse crops).
• Experimental Design: Formulate field, greenhouse, and lab experiments targeting pathogen biology, host interactions, and disease epidemiology.
• Methodology & Funding: Refine experimental workflows and contribute directly to competitive grant applications and project proposals.

Field, Greenhouse, and Laboratory Research

• Trials & Assays: Coordinate large-scale field trials (crop management, disease assessment) and lead greenhouse pathogenicity assays.
• Pathogen Characterization: Isolate, identify, and maintain pathogen cultures using classical and molecular techniques.
• Molecular Analysis: Conduct genomic and transcriptomic studies, including DNA/RNA extraction and PCR assays.

Data Analysis and Scientific Reporting

• Biostatistics: Manage experimental datasets and execute statistical modeling using R.
• Workflows: Develop data pipelines to ensure high quality, reproducibility, and rigorous management across projects.
• Dissemination: Interpret results to frame disease management recommendations and co-author scientific manuscripts and technical reports.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Technology Evaluation: Design and execute trials for seed treatments, genetic resistance, and crop protection tech.
• Knowledge Transfer: Communicate findings to industry partners, stakeholders, and funding bodies via meetings and conferences.

Mentorship and Research Training

• Technical Leadership: Guide and mentor graduate students, undergraduates, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Skill Development: Train team members in experimental design, field methodologies, and data analysis to foster a collaborative culture.

Laboratory and Research Infrastructure Management

• Operations & Safety: Maintain laboratory and greenhouse facilities while ensuring strict compliance with safety regulations and routine inspections.
• Resource Coordination: Manage procurement, maintain long-term pathogen collections, and organize research databases.