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 over 1.5 million acres in 2024.

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. We were also recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Small & Medium Employers. 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 (and like to have LOTS of fun along the way), keep reading to learn more about the Research Assistant, Microbiology role and how it contributes to Vive’s goals!

Mission

Your core mission as a Research Assistant on the Research 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

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide in-person technical support to the research team staff and work with other Vive scientists toward a determined goal or deliverable. This may involve tasks such as: preparation of samples, stock solutions, and experimental materials; and maintaining bacterial cultures
• Sample characterization and analysis (viability testing, microscopy, storage stability, etc.)
• Ensuring laboratory upkeep, organization, and cleanliness, including instrument calibration and maintenance; and compatibility testing
• 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.
• Report and effectively communicate data in team meetings.
• 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. or equivalent in an applicable scientific discipline with 0‐3 years laboratory experience in a relevant field: Microbiology; biology; molecular biology; biochemistry; or related field.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques and basic microbiology techniques (culturing, viability plating, microscopy, routine microbial assays etc.).
• A working knowledge of microbial physiology is preferred.
• Experience in molecular biology (PCR, RT-PCR, sequencing, electrophoresis, BLAST, etc.) is nice to have.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety standards and procedures.
• Good experimental research skills, critical thinking, and experience with data analysis.
• Good computer skills including proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc).
• 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.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

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.