Research Technician

The University of Saskatchewan is hiring a Research Technician for the KnowPulse data management team. This role involves supporting open science data initiatives, programming, and collaborating with researchers in plant science. Candidates should have a degree in Computer Sciences or Bioinformatics, experience in relevant programming languages, and strong communication skills. The position is full-time on a hybrid schedule, requiring some in-person attendance.
Research Technician

The KnowPulse data management team works on providing open science data pages to promote sharing/reuse, visualization tools and integration with existing tools in the bioinformatics landscape to make them easier for researchers to use by powering them with existing datasets. They are lead contributors to the open-source software Tripal (https://github.com/tripal/tripal) used internationally to build data repository portals to support open science. They also develop the Tripal-extension Tripal Cultivate (https://github.com/TripalCultivate/) which focuses on crop research and breeding, and they interact directly with researchers in plant science on data management and research support.

Primary Purpose: You will provide support to the KnowPulse data management team in extending and updating existing technologies, reviewing code submitted by others and being part of an open-source and open-science focused team that collaborates internationally.

Nature of Work: You will work within the existing KnowPulse team, reporting to the data portal manager. The team works regular work hours from the bioinformatics office in the Agriculture Building on a hybrid schedule (regular weekly meetings require in-person attendance).

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Programming support to the KnowPulse team including reviewing code and upgrading existing functionality. You will be committing regularly to public repository branches and writing detailed pull requests for your work on GitHub including manual testing instructions. You are expected to balance independent evaluation of API docs and change records with team collaboration on upgrade solutions. Additional duties may be discussed and considered with the candidate around their specific interests and skillsets.

Education: Successful candidates must hold an undergraduate degree in Computer Sciences or Bioinformatics. Any educational training in Plant Sciences and genetics would be considered an asset.

Experience: Experience in PHP, HTML, CSS, Javascript and React programming languages. Familiar with or open to learning Drupal (content management system), Twig (template engine) and Symphony (framework).

Skills: This position requires attention to detail, an ability to work independently and the ability to contribute to a dynamic team environment. Candidates must possess very good oral and written communication skills in the English language.

Department: Plant Sciences
Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 5
Posted Date: 3/12/2025
Closing Date: 4/23/2025
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.