Research Assistant, Spray Induced Gene Silencing, an RNA Technology to Control the Cosmopolitan Pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum - PSAC-RC

Competition Number: RC153.26 Date Posted: October 23, 2026 Department: Biology Researcher: Dr. Paul Holloway Position Vacancies: 1 Salary: $17.22 - $20.10 per hour plus 6% vacation pay

Research Assistants are normally students, in a University of Winnipeg undergraduate program, employed to assist with tasks related to research. Work is performed within defined guidelines and under supervision of a more senior researcher or faculty member.

Position Overview:

Assist in a project to develop a biocontrol strategy for Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by producing dsRNA to attenuate pathogenicity genes.

Duties:

- Prepare sterile media
- Maintain fungal and bacterial cultures
- Isolate and analyze genomic DNA
- PCR
- Gene sequencing
- Growing small plants

Qualifications:

- BIOL-2902, BIOL-2301, BIOL-3901 preferred.
- Completion of a 3 or 4 year degree in Biology or Biochemistry.
- Aseptic technique.
- Ability to prepare sterile media and equipment.
- Ability to maintain fungal and bacterial cultures.
- Genomic DNA isolation.
- RNA production.
- PCR and gene sequencing.
- Ability to load an autoclave (10 kg).
- Ability to work prolonged times in a BSC.

Condition(s) of Employment:

- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

The period of work will be from Nov 02, 2026 - Apr 30, 2027 and the estimated total hours of work will be 30-100 hours. Note:



This position is represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada - Research Capacity Unit.

Note: The work described in this posting will be conducted in person.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff and faculty advantages and enriches the work, learning and research environments, and is essential to academic and institutional excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons to confidentially self-identify at time of application.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to ensuring employment opportunities are accessible for all applicants. If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected].

The personal information of applicants is collected under the authority of the University of Winnipeg Act and 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All personal information collected via the recruitment process is used to assess the applicant’s suitability, eligibility, and qualifications for employment, and to otherwise support recruitment activities. This information will be provided to participating members of the recruitment process.

Questions regarding the collection of your personal information may be directed to the Director, HR Services, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9 or [email protected].

📌 Research Assistant, Spray Induced Gene Silencing, an RNA Technology to Control the Cosmopolitan Pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Winnipeg)
🏢 University of Winnipeg
📍 Winnipeg