Laboratory Technician (10 Month Contract)

Job description

Job Field: REDE - Research & Development
Location: Saskatoon, SK, CA
Company: BASF Canada
Job Type: Standard
Job ID: EN_CA_1902915

You can be part of an inclusive team of diverse talent and character. In this diversity lies our greatest strength.

Description

At BASF, we create chemistry through the power of connected minds. By balancing economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, we are building a more sustainable future through chemistry. As the world’s leading chemical company, we help our customers in nearly every industry meet the current and future needs of society through science and innovation. We achieve this through our commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence, which gives us the opportunity to set and deliver on ambitious, long-term goals.

We provide a challenging and rewarding work environment with a strong emphasis on process safety, as well as the safety of our employees and the communities we operate in and are always working to form the best team—especially from within, through an emphasis on lifelong learning and development. This allows for our employees to innovate and generate new ideas, put them into action, and gain insights from them to further advance our collective expertise.

And we are constantly striving to become an even better place to work. BASF has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s Best Employers in 2019. We strongly support the spirit of collaboration through effectively involving team members and colleagues from other relevant units when developing and executing strategies and projects. Come join us on our journey to create solutions for a sustainable future!

Laboratory Technician-

Where the Chemistry Happens

The Laboratory Technician works independently and with other team members to complete DNA and protein based molecular biology analyses focused on agricultural crops, delivering high quality results in a specified timeframe, while adhering to internal quality standards and standard operating procedures. The RSIII assists with equipment maintenance, participates in continuous improvements and can serve as a lab champion for one or more analytical processes.

Core Responsibilities:

·  Initiate and complete high-throughput DNA extraction from agricultural crop samples following standard operating procedures to deliver high quality results in a specified timeframe to meet customer needs.
·  Prioritize and execute technically diverse lab analyses independently including fluorescence-based PCR, Real-time PCR, allelic discrimination/SNP genotyping
·  Utilize a Lab Information Management System (LIMS) to receive analytical samples, complete assigned work, and submit datasets for supervisor approval. Optionally, review work of junior scientists. Complete assignments in a dynamic and fast paced environment using robotics, automation platforms and analytical software packages.
·  Participate in moderate to extensive problem solving and lead continuous improvements initiatives with other lab members in alignment with team objectives. Ensure compliance with all existing Safety, BioSafety, QMS and Stewardship standards.
·  Develop and maintain a broad understanding of analytical instrumentation, scientific principles and agribusiness. Demonstrate knowledge of specialized laboratory and scientific techniques and equipment and assist with process implementations and equipment maintenance as needed. Optionally coordinate with vendors.

Qualifications

Formula for Success:

Experience

• Prior experience completing high-throughput DNA-based analytical testing according to standard operating procedures in a customer driven environment.
• Minimum of two years performing fluorescence-based PCR for diagnostic purposes, preferably in microtiter plate format.
• Experience using and maintaining laboratory equipment, such as liquid handling robots, real-time PCR systems, and DNA extraction automation.
• Demonstrated experience communicating with diverse team members in a deadline driven environment. Able to work under time pressure, with appropriate sense of urgency and accuracy.
• Experience using a lab information management system for analytical project assignment, data recording, and submission preferred.

Knowledge/Skills

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of technical aspects of DNA isolation, PCR, Real time PCR (qualitative and quantitative) and allelic discrimination/SNP genotyping.
• Knowledge of plant breeding, agricultural biotechnology and/or plant genetics
• Computer skills including standard MS Office applications including excel and word.
• Working knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Sample databases and barcoding.
• Self-organization, problem solving and planning skills.
• English spoken, read and written with advanced scientific level.
• Familiarity with Safety, BioSafety, QMS and Stewardship standards