Research 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 1.2 million acres in 2023.

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, we’re looking for passionate, growth-minded individuals to join us on our journey!

At Vive, our core values are the foundation of everything we do and are a guiding force for all the exciting and unique experiences you will have when working with us.

• We are grower-focused
• We succeed through collective genius
• We are building something real
• We are confident and adaptive owners
• We are data-driven

If you’re looking to build something real with a team of smart, confident, and adaptive owners, keep reading to learn more about the Research Assistant role and the role you will play in helping us reach our goals!

MISSION

Your core mission as a Research Assistant on the Product Development team is to provide technical support to other members of the team with a focus on several experiments and methods of analysis that are well understood and normally have standard procedures to follow.

You will deliver on this mission by:

1. Setting up and executing experiments according to established SOPs or as directed by senior staff.
2. Performing accurate calculations, making observations, and gathering complete and accurate data.
3. Maintaining up‐to‐date working records, such as lab notebooks and sample reports, by uploading, entering, organizing, and summarizing experimental data
4. Adhering to local, provincial, and federal legislation pertaining to company employment and health and safety policies.
5. 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 technical support to the product development team staff and work with other Vive scientists toward a determined goal or deliverable. This may involve tasks such as: Sample and stock solution preparation; Sample characterization and analysis (particle size measurement, viscosity, storage stability, etc.); Instrument calibration and maintenance; Compatibility testing; Soil column experiments; Plant maintenance
• Perform scientific activities requiring keen observation, accuracy of calculations, completeness of data and general adherence to prescribed methods.
• Maintain up‐to‐date working records, such as lab notebooks and sample reports, by uploading, entering, organizing, and summarizing data, observations, and conclusions.
• May be asked to assist other scientists in the development of new methods or in the improvement of existing ones.
• Provide training on SOPs and methods to co-op students and lab technicians.
• Participate in regular laboratory clean up.
• Assist in receiving/shipping laboratory samples.
• Follow all laboratory safety rules and regulations.
• Perform other job‐related duties, as necessary.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCES

• B.Sc. in a scientific discipline or equivalent with 0‐3 years experience in a relevant field such as Chemistry, Chemical/Process Engineering, Materials Science, Biology and/or Biological Sciences.
• Good experimental research skills and experience with data analysis
• Good computer skills including proficiency with spreadsheets and MS Office programs
• Familiarity with common laboratory instrumentation and techniques, and ability to quickly learn how to operate new instruments and perform other procedures as required.
• Excellent time management and priority setting skills. Self-motivated and able to adapt to changing business priorities

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Incumbents are initially managed closely by more senior staff until tasks are mastered, then generally work independently within established procedures.
• Has some latitude to implement process improvements within the confines of achieving objectives of the role with supervisor approval (ex. suggests new instruments or changes to methods that would increase productivity or improve data accuracy). Decisions beyond the scope of the role are validated and approved by more senior staff members.
• The majority of the work is performed in an environment that is normally 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.