Research Technician

Research Technician

Primary Purpose: The focus of the position is to perform and support Applied Cow-Calf and Forage research.

Nature of Work: This position reports to and under the direction of the SRP Cow-Calf Forage Chair (Dr. Bart Lardner, Professor) and includes the following:

• Handles the day-to-day management of research experiments involving beef cow nutrition, pasture management and feed evaluation.
• Coordinates and conducts the research activities, including literature searches, animal experimentation, analytical methods, laboratory wet chemical and instrumental analysis, data entry, statistical analysis, and providing input for research reports in scientific journals and feed or livestock industry newsletter or magazines.
• Most duties will be carried out independently with a minimum of supervision, using standard operating procedures and maintaining good animal husbandry and laboratory practices.
• The position will establish working relationships with Centre management and staff, researchers at University of Saskatchewan and other institutions, feed/livestock industry, graduate students, summer students and technical staff.
• As a team member, the position respects and supports the aims and goals of project leaders and scientists.
• This position meets the challenges of technology transfer and extension through several industry activities throughout the year.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Following established policies and procedures with respect to research project management, laboratory and animal experimentation, and ensuring that laboratory equipment is well-maintained and functioning.
• Ensuring compliance with the standards of the Canadian Council on Animal Care in the use of animals for research.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other researchers, technicians and graduate and summer students as well as the livestock and feed industries.
• Communicating project objectives with hired support staff to ensure unified understanding and organizing/scheduling collection days with unit manager.
• Assisting graduate students with their research projects and various analytical methods.
• Developing and implementing analytical methods related to feed analyses, including up-to-date feed evaluation methods, and developing nutrition laboratory techniques.
• Searching and documenting the literature to support the SRP Chair with writing of research grant proposals and project reports.
• Performing accurate statistical data analysis with training.
• Completing research projects within deadlines, and effectively managing time challenges.
• Accurately writing research project reports and publishing research results in scientific journals and industry magazines.

Education: Minimum of an undergraduate degree in Agriculture or Animal Science; MSc or other relevant qualifications will be considered.

Licenses: A valid driver’s license is required as the position is based mainly at Clavet, with travel to other research sites around Saskatchewan.

Experience: Demonstrated proficient technical skills in several of the fields mentioned above; effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal; demonstrated ability to learn new skills and ability to prioritize in a constantly changing environment; ability to effectively work independently as well as part of a team; ability to evaluate the work of others and demonstrated effective organizational and time management skills. Experience with Microsoft Office computer applications is required. Experience in a research laboratory would be an asset.

Application process: Inquiries for this position can be made to Dr. Bart Lardner, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, bart.lardner@usask.ca.

Department: Animal & Poultry Science
Status: Term 3 years with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0 FTE
Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Band: Salary Band 5
Posted Date: 1/17/2025
Closing Date: 5/9/2025
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request.