Graduate Research Assistant Position in Phenomics-Assisted Dry Bean Breeding 🌱🎓 2025/2026 in Canada 🍁

📢 Are you passionate about plant science, agriculture, and data-driven research? Do you want to gain hands-on experience in phenomics, machine learning, and breeding technologies while working on a crop of global importance? Here’s your chance!

The Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦, is offering a Graduate Research Assistant position in Phenomics-Assisted Dry Bean Breeding. This exciting opportunity is perfect for students who want to build expertise in high-throughput phenotyping, data science, and applied crop research.

In this blog, we’ll cover all the details about this opportunity, including responsibilities, candidate qualifications, application process, and benefits of working in plant phenomics research.

🌍 Why Phenomics-Assisted Breeding Matters

Global agriculture is undergoing a technological revolution. With the growing need for sustainable and resilient crops, phenomics—the large-scale study of plant traits using advanced imaging and data analysis—is becoming a game-changer.

Dry beans 🫘, a staple food across the world, face challenges like anthracnose disease and climate stress. Traditional breeding takes years, but by applying machine learning, spectral imaging, and phenotypic data analysis, researchers can accelerate the development of disease-resistant, high-yielding, and climate-smart varieties.

This Graduate Research Assistantship is at the forefront of this innovation, combining plant science, data analytics, and breeding technology to transform the future of dry bean production.

🧪 Responsibilities of the Graduate Research Assistant

As a Graduate Research Assistant in Phenomics-Assisted Dry Bean Breeding, you’ll take on dynamic and impactful responsibilities, including:

• 🌱 Develop and implement high-throughput phenotyping protocols using advanced spectral imaging tools.
• 📊 Conduct fieldwork and greenhouse data collection, focusing on key phenotypic traits and anthracnose resistance.
• 🤖 Analyze complex phenotypic data using advanced statistical and machine learning approaches.
• 🔗 Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to integrate phenomic markers into the larger dry bean breeding program.
• 📝 Assist in preparing manuscripts, presentations, and reports, contributing to impactful scientific publications.

This role provides a rare balance of hands-on experimental work and computational analysis, making it ideal for students seeking careers in agricultural research, data science, and plant breeding.

👩‍🎓 Candidate Profile – Who Can Apply?

This position is open to all qualified applicants, though priority will be given to Canadians and permanent residents.

✅ Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Agriculture, Remote Sensing, Data Science, or related fields.
• Strong interest in plant phenotyping, remote sensing, and data-driven research.
• Prior experience in statistical analysis software and machine learning is highly desirable.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to perform fieldwork under varying environmental conditions.

If you are someone who thrives in both the greenhouse and the computer lab, this role is a perfect match for your skill set.

📚 Benefits of the Graduate Research Assistantship

Taking on this position comes with several academic and professional advantages:

• 🎓 Hands-on training in cutting-edge plant phenotyping and data science methods.
• 🌱 Direct contribution to sustainable crop improvement in a globally important food crop.
• 🔬 Experience in machine learning, remote sensing, and statistical analysis.
• 🏫 Graduate-level education at the University of Guelph, one of Canada’s leading agricultural universities.
• 📑 Opportunities to publish in top-tier journals and present at conferences.
• 🌍 Work in a collaborative, research-driven environment with experts in plant breeding, genomics, and phenomics.

📍 About the University of Guelph

The University of Guelph, located in Ontario, Canada, is internationally recognized for excellence in agricultural research, food sciences, and sustainability.

Key highlights:

• Ranked among the top agricultural universities in the world.
• State-of-the-art greenhouses, research fields, and laboratory facilities.
• Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and applied research.
• Located in the vibrant city of Guelph, known for its student-friendly atmosphere, cultural diversity, and innovation-driven ecosystem.

This position is housed in the Department of Plant Agriculture, a leader in crop science research with long-standing expertise in plant breeding, genomics, and field-based agronomy.

📝 Application Process

Interested candidates should prepare the following documents:

1. 📄 Cover Letter – Specify the position of interest (Phenomics) and outline relevant qualifications, experience, and research interests.
2. 📑 Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Highlight academic background, technical skills, and prior research work.
3. 👥 Contact information for three references – Academic or professional references who can speak about your suitability.

📩 Submit applications via email to Dr. Mohsen Yoosefzadeh Najafabadi at: myoosefz@uoguelph.ca
👉 Use the subject line: “DBCBP – YOUR NAME”

📅 Important Notes

• Applications are open to all, but priority will be given to Canadians and permanent residents.
• Fieldwork and greenhouse experiments may require flexible scheduling and adaptability to diverse weather conditions.
• This position is ideal for students who plan to pursue graduate studies (MSc/PhD) with a strong research component.

💡 Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Combines plant breeding, phenomics, and artificial intelligence 🤖.
• Offers exposure to cutting-edge technologies like spectral imaging and machine learning.
• Focuses on a high-value global crop (dry beans) with real-world impact.
• Provides a stepping stone toward academic, industry, or government research careers.

See Also

Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) Scholarship 2026 for International Students – Taiwan

KAUST Postgraduate Scholarship 2025/2026 – Fully Funded Master’s & PhD in Saudi Arabia

PhD Student Position in Computational Genomics – Fully Funded at Uppsala University

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply for this position?

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in plant science, agriculture, data science, or related fields can apply. Strong data analysis and phenotyping skills are preferred.

2. Is this position fully funded?

Yes ✅, the Graduate Research Assistantship covers tuition support, research expenses, and a stipend.

3. What kind of research will I be doing?

You’ll work on high-throughput phenotyping, remote sensing, and disease resistance screening in dry beans, using both fieldwork and computational analysis.

4. Where is the position based?

At the Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦.

5. How do I apply?

Email your cover letter, CV, and references to Dr. Mohsen Yoosefzadeh Najafabadi at myoosefz@uoguelph.ca with the subject line: “DBCBP – YOUR NAME.”

📩 Conclusion

This Graduate Research Assistant position in Phenomics-Assisted Dry Bean Breeding at the University of Guelph is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring researchers in plant science and data-driven agriculture.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in phenomics, machine learning, and plant breeding while contributing to the development of sustainable and resilient food crops. 🌱

👉 Don’t miss this chance to be part of a globally recognized research program. Apply today by sending your application to myoosefz@uoguelph.ca.

🧑‍🎓 Author Bio

Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen curates top-ranked, fully funded scholarships for international students. With a strong background in global education and SEO, he helps students worldwide gain access to world-class research programs.

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