Assistant Or Associate Professor – Cereal And Flax Crop Pathologist

The Crop Development Centre (CDC), Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) invites applications for a crop pathologist to work on small grain cereal (wheat species, barley, oat, canary seed; 85% activity) and flax (15% of activity). This position is considered continuing status (tenure-track-equivalent) and will be hired at either the assistant or associate professor level, depending on qualifications and experiences.

The successful candidate will lead an established cereal and flax pathology program and build a world-class, externally funded research program addressing priority diseases of cereal and flax crops. In close collaboration with CDC cereal and flax breeders, they will establish and manage disease nurseries and lead the evaluation and screening of germplasm and breeding lines for disease resistance. Their research program will integrate field, greenhouse, laboratory, and molecular approaches to advance fundamental and applied research and develop host-pathogen-informed strategies that enhance disease resistance, accelerate variety development, and support crop improvement.

The appointee will be expected to teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate level in the Department of Plant Sciences and will be required to supervise M.Sc. and Ph.D. students and mentor post-graduate fellows. Outreach duties will be a requirement of the position.

The Cereal and Flax Pathologist will work with the incumbent lead scientist during an initial transition period but is expected to develop a strong, externally funded, and independent research program within the CDC, Department of Plant Sciences, and the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. The research conducted should be eligible for Government of Canada Tri-Council funding. Collaboration with local, national and international programs is expected.

This position is one of seven Strategic Research Chair positions in Crop Genetic Improvement funded through the Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture's “Strategic Research Program”. Please see the following link for information on that program:
Strategic Research Programs (SRP) | Programs for Research | Government of Saskatchewan

Salary bands for this position for the  academic year are as follows:
Assistant Professor: $113,527 to $135,535;
Associate Professor: $135,535 to $157,543. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package which includes a dental, health and extended vision care plan, pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long-term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

Appointment to this position requires a Ph.D. in plant pathology or related discipline, with demonstrated expertise in applied and molecular plant pathology, genetics of plant disease resistance, and an understanding of plant breeding and crop improvement. The candidate must have excellent communication skills and show potential to participate in outreach activities aimed at cereal and flax producers. Expected outreach activities will include engagement with producers, industry and government, membership on industry committees and advisory boards, and participation in technology transfer and variety commercialization.

At least one year of post-doctoral experience relevant to the position, with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching is preferred. Candidates will be eligible for membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists (). A proven track record of publications coupled with excellent interpersonal skills, and an ability to establish effective, trust-based working relationships are considered essential. The successful candidate will work independently, provide scientific leadership to support staff, and contribute as a collaborative research partner with the cereal and flax breeding teams at the CDC.

The candidate is expected to have an understanding and commitment to enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.

is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure activities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian…