City : Surrey

Category : 267201-SPF: Project Salaries

Industry : Education

Employer : Kwantlen Polytechnic University - KPU

POSITION NAME: Institute for Sustainable Horticulture Research Assistant Pool
DEPARTMENT/FACULTY: Institute for Sustainable Horticulture
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Casual Service Contract
DATE REVISED: March 25, 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Research Assistants report to The Director, and various project leaders involved in research with the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture.
SUMMARY

The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture partners with agricultural and agri-technology companies in our region to support innovation with research and development projects that promote sustainability in the sector. Current projects include developing microbial biocontrol products for pests and diseases, natural soil amendments and inoculants, biofertilizers, agritech applications, alternate growing systems, and soil microbial health. Work hours and start dates are dependent on external research grants and can be either part-time or full-time.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greenhouse and growth chamber plant trials with biostimulants, biocontrols
• Laboratory trials with beneficial microbes involving sterile technique, monitoring growth and interactions
• Maintaining greenhouse crops, transplanting, pruning, harvesting, IPM scouting, releasing bios, cleaning pots, and general greenhouse support
• Soil sample collecting and processing
• Support field trials off site
• Collect, record and analyze data, assist with data interpretation and contemplate what, why and how
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

These positions are suitable for students and new graduates with interest in biocontrol and horticulture, e.g. Horticulture Diploma, Plant Health Degree. The work requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to stay focused when performing repeated tasks. Some positions require travel between KPU and field sites.