Laboratory Assistant

ABOUT VIVE
Vive is a high-growth trajectory, sustainable agtech firm founded in 2006 and headquartered in Mississauga, ON. Our Made in Canada, patented Allosperse® delivery technology helps farmers do more with less. By bringing the power of Precision Chemistry™ to agriculture, Vive is connecting the lab to the field, enabling growers to cut costs and reduce their environmental footprint. We are fully commercial with established distribution across the US, and our products were used on two million acres in 2022.

We were recently selected as part of the inaugural cohort of the Government of Canada’s Global Hypergrowth Project, and we are well on our way to becoming Canada’s leading anchor agtech firm. Our global expansion ambition has started with our first product Canadian registration in spring 2023. We’ve received several awards for innovation, been named the SDTC Changemaker of the Year, and ranked #196 on the list of the fastest-growing companies in the Americas. With over 100+ patents, and a vision of having a Vive solution on every acre of cropland globally, we’re looking for passionate, growth-minded individuals to join us on our journey!

At Vive, our core values (G-CROP) are the foundation of everything we do and are a guiding force for all the exciting and unique experiences you’ll have when working with us.

• We are GROWER-focused

• We succeed through COLLECTIVE genius

• We are passionate about building something REAL

• We are all confident and adaptive OWNERS

• We are PRECISE, data-driven, and science-based

If you’re looking to build something real with a team of smart, confident and adaptive owners (and like to have LOTS of fun along the way), keep reading to learn more about the Laboratory Assistant role and the role you will play in helping us reach our goals!

MISSION

Your core mission as a Laboratory Assistant in the Technology Department is to provide operational and technical support to the lab staff across various functional teams with a focus on tasks and processes that are well understood and normally have standard procedures to follow.  

You will deliver on this mission by:   

1. Executing on day-to-day operational tasks for the lab.

2. Uploading, entering, and organizing data to maintain up-to-date working records.

3. Cleaning and maintaining equipment in good working conditions.

4. Setting up, executing, and maintaining experiments according to established SOPs or as directed by senior staff.

5. Adhering to local, provincial, and federal legislation pertaining to company employment and health and safety policies.

6. Demonstrating corporate values in the performance of the work and interactions with others.

INTERACTS WITH: 

• Internally – Joint Health and Safety Committee, Product Development Chemistry, Research, Biology, Application Science, Process

• Externally – Service Providers, Suppliers

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provide operational and technical support to the lab staff across various functional teams – research, product development, analytical, biology, process, and facilities maintenance. This may involve tasks such as:

1. Preparing stock solutions and other experiment inputs
2. Testing and characterizing samples (involves shaking 10 L jugs for sample homogeneity)
3. Photographing experiments
4. Watering plants (involves use of a step ladder)
5. Preparing and receiving shipments
6. Preparing hazardous waste for disposal (involves moving 20 L pails and 55 gals drums of liquid and solid waste)
7. Maintaining an up-to-date chemical inventory system

• Perform scientific activities requiring data integrity and general adherence to prescribed methods and SOPs.

• Maintain up‐to‐date working records, such as lab notebooks and sample reports, by uploading, entering, and organizing data.

• Follow all laboratory safety rules and regulations.

• Perform other job‐related duties, as necessary.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCES 

• College diploma with 0‐3 years experience in a relevant field (Chemistry, Biology or similar)

• Excellent time-management and priority setting skills

• Good computer skills including proficiency with spreadsheets and MS Office programs

• Self‐motivated and able to adapt to changing business requirements

• Comfortable using a ladder and able to lift 50 lbs

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Incumbents are initially managed closely by more senior staff until tasks are mastered, then generally work independently within established procedures.

• The majority of the work is performed in an environment that is clean and comfortable. Some of the work is performed in an environment where exposures to physical, chemical, and biological hazards exist under controlled conditions.

• Potential hazards may include noise, temperature extremes, biohazards, and hazardous chemical products. Standard safety procedures will describe personal protective devices that are mandatory requirements of performing the work. All necessary safety equipment will be provided.

Vive is an equal opportunity employer, committed to meeting the needs of all individuals in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC). Please advise the recruiter should you have accessibility needs to ensure they are accommodated throughout this process.