Key Responsibilities

Molecular Diagnostics & Assay Development

• Design, optimize, and validate PCR, qPCR, and LAMP-based assays for detection of agricultural pathogens including plant pathogens, soil-borne organisms, and livestock parasites.
• Develop and refine primer sets and probe designs for target organisms relevant to Canadian crop and livestock systems.
• Perform specificity, sensitivity, and cross-reactivity testing, support lyophilized biological product formulation and stability studies.
• Assist in technology transfer and scale-up activities related to diagnostic kit development.

Sample Handling & Laboratory Operations

• Handle agricultural sample matrices (soil, plant tissue, fecal, biological isolates) under appropriate biosafety conditions; perform nucleic acid extraction and quality assessment.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and master mixes with high accuracy; maintain and calibra...