AGC Student Research Assistant - Horticulture

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION NAME: AGC Student Research Assistant - Horticulture

DEPARTMENT/FACULTY: Applied Genomics Centre

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Casual Employee

DATE REVISED: March 11, 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to the Research and Partners Manager, Applied Genomics Centre.

SUMMARY

The AGC Student Research Assistant (Horticulture) has a supportive role for research goals of the Applied Genomics Centre. This is an employment role with the intent of providing learning opportunities and practical training to the individual while they are enrolled as a student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. This individual will support applied research projects under the supervision and direction of the AGC's senior leadership, and Research Technicians. They will perform field work and maintenance, general laboratory tasks, assist in generating experimental data, and communicate results to AGC members and industry partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engage in hands on training in proper field and laboratory techniques under the supervision of AGC Senior Leadership, Faculty, and Research Technicians.
• Provide research support for the AGC's senior leadership and research staff.
• Assist in gathering and analyzing experimental data in the field and in the lab, as required.
• Execute and document field and lab experiments required for research projects, adhering to rigorous scientific protocols.
• Contribute to the preparation of research materials, including graphs, charts, reports, and presentations, collaboratively and under the direction of the AGC's senior leadership.
• Perform general lab tasks such as cleaning and organizing lab equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in an appropriate academic program at KPU.
• Successful completion of some foundational courses in applicable Horticulture topics (may include Botany, Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture, Introduction to Plant Materials, Molecular Biology, Plant Health, Data analysis, or others).
• A full/unrestricted driver's license is required.
• Comfortable driving a medium sized pickup truck.
• Comfortable with handling and operating field equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to learn new skills and follow proper field and lab protocols.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written English language skills.
• Detail oriented, with excellent organizational and time management skills, and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently or with cross functional teams.
• Ability to use or learn software applications appropriate to field, lab and reporting tasks (i.e. word processing, data base, spreadsheets, statistics, presentations, and equipment specific software).
• Ability to use MS Office suite of tools effectively and to adapt to new technologies that may be introduced.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a culturally diverse environment.
• Willingness to adopt the working culture (timekeeping, time management, collegiality, mutual respect, etc.) of the Applied Genomics Centre.

SALARY INFORMATION

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $19.71 - $22.08