Faculty/Staff positions

For faculty and staff positions please visit careers.usask.ca.

Research/Graduate Student positions

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Crop Bioinformatician to join our team.  The successful candidate will join the Wheat Breeding and Genetics Research lab at the Crop Development Centre, under the direction of Dr. Curtis Pozniak. 

Nature of Work: The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing computational strategies to analyze large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data from crop plants, with an emphasis on wheat and its relatives.  This position will work closely with other members of our research team to design and conduct experiments, analyze large sets of genomic data, and interpret results.

Employment Type: 3 year term, possibility of extension for an additional three years. 

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

  • Develop and implement computational strategies to analyze large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data from crop plants, with an emphasis on wheat and its wild relatives.
  • Work closely with scientists and technical teams to design genomics experiments and plan and implement data analyses.
  • Develop and maintain databases and web applications for data management and analysis.
  • Provide bioinformatics support and training to other members of the research team.
  • Stay up to date with the latest developments in crop genomics and bioinformatics.


Education: PhD or equivalent degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, plant biology, or a related field.

Experience:

  • Strong background in bioinformatics and genomics with an understanding of plant genetics.
  • Experience with the analysis of large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data.

Skills:

  • Proficiency in programming (e.g., R, Python, Bash, etc.) and statistical analysis.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Are applicants required to be Indigenous for this posting? No

Applications must be sent as ONE document containing their CV, cover letter, and three references to Raelene.regier@usask.ca.   Closing Date: May 11, 2023 Screening of applicants will begin May 30th, 2023.


The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthening these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan. 

Livestock Integration in Grain and Oilseed Cropping Systems for Soil Health

Ph.D. opportunity in Plant Sciences or Soil Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan

Project summary: There is considerable interest in improving soil health and using agricultural soils for carbon sequestration. Soil organic matter (SOM) is an integral part of the concept of soil health and has many benefits, including soil moisture retention, improved nutrient cycling and crop productivity. Building SOM can therefore help Prairie crop producers improve yields, particularly in dry years and improve overall resiliency of the cropping system. However, increasing SOM in dryland agriculture is challenging, and there are concerns that environmental practices recommended in more humid environment may come at the cost of reduced yields in semi-arid growing areas. In addition, a recent meta-analysis has suggested that perennials and/or livestock integration might be necessary to increase SOM in cropping systems (King and Blesh, 2018). However, we would like to question whether perennials and livestock are absolutely necessary: Do producers really have to put land into pastures with livestock for years in order to build soil health? Could similar benefits be achieved without livestock grazing? Or, on the contrary, are most of the benefits coming from the livestock grazing, so that perhaps similar benefits might be achieved with annual forages included once or twice in a 4-year crop rotation, or even from grazing crop residues in a diversified grain-oilseed-pulse crop rotation?

We are searching for an enthusiastic and hands-on PhD graduate student to contribute to this project. The successful candidate will be supervised by the WGRF Research Chair in Integrated Agronomy, Dr. Maryse Bourgault. A guaranteed stipend of $25,000 – $28,000 for four years will be provided, and students are encouraged to apply for the many scholarships available.

Responsibilities: The graduate researcher will lead the implementation of the experiment, data analysis and writing of scientific papers. Among other duties, the graduate researcher will:

  • Plan operations and logistics for the implementation of the field trial, including preparing for planting, weed control, grazing operations, and coordinating with research technician to obtain supplies and labor at the appropriate time
  • Collect soil samples and plant samples according to scientific protocols
  • Write rationale, methods, results and interpretation for scientific (i.e. your thesis) and non-scientific audiences
  • Help with the general maintenance of research equipment, field and laboratory
  • Help supervise undergraduate student helpers
  • Assist the Chair with collaborations and extension activities
  • Support other field research projects as required
  • Attend and complete the required coursework for the PhD program, as discussed with committee members and supervisor.

Requirements: Candidates must have a MSc degree, or complete its requirements before admission, in agronomy, soil science, crop science, agroecology, or other related disciplines. Candidates must show leadership and collaborative skills, a strong work ethics and proficiency in English (see below the statement necessary in the application). Travel to the field experiment (to Clavet, SK, about 30 mins away from main campus by car) will be necessary, and extended hours and/or overnight may be necessary occasionally for timely completion of field work or extension activities. In addition, lifting up to 60 lbs may be required.

Application process: Please submit a complete application package by email to maryse.bourgault@usask.ca with the subject line: “Application for Crop-Livestock Integration PhD position”. The application package needs to include:

  1. A cover letter explaining your motivation to apply for this position, research experience and career goals
  2. A CV
  3. Unofficial transcript, showing progress or completion of MSc degree. An official transcript will be necessary for admission if successful
  4. A statement addressing each and every one of the following selection criteria. We strongly encourage providing separate paragraphs for each criteria, and including specific examples of experiences, actions or behaviors to demonstrate skills and abilities.
    1. Education in relevant discipline
    2. Technical skills in plant and soil sciences, including statistical analyses
    3. Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, etc)
    4. Demonstrated ability to follow written and verbal instructions
    5. Demonstrated communication skills for farmer and/or scientific audiences
    6. Demonstrated ability to foster relationships with people of diverse backgrounds
    7. Ability to drive and possess a valid driver’s license

Please note that these documents are needed to apply for the position and are separate from the application to the U of S graduate admission. Application packages that do not include all of these materials will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. Preference will be given to a candidate that is able to start in September 2023 or earlier.

The committee will continue reviewing applications until a suitable candidate is found.

Primary Purpose: The Pulse Crop Breeding Program at the Crop Development Centre, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan requires a Field Research Technician who will work as part of a team to support development of improved pulse crop varieties and pulse crop research.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the pulse crop breeders and the senior research technicians the candidate will be involved in all aspects of the pulse breeding programs.  Travel to off station sites and overtime including evenings and weekends will be required at certain times of the year particularly during planting (May) and harvest (August/September).   Work with agricultural pesticides will be required.  Must be able to lift up to 25kg.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Duties will include, seed cleaning, seed treatment, weighing samples, sorting and organizing samples, seed storage maintenance, assisting with seeding, plot harvest or hand harvest, threshing plants, and other duties as assigned.  The successful candidate must be willing to work outdoors, work flexible hours during planting and harvest, and be willing to travel outside of the Saskatoon area.

Education: Completion of Grade 12.  A degree or diploma in agriculture or a related field of study would be an asset.

Status: One year term with a six month probationary period to start.

Licenses: Candidates must hold a valid class 5 driver’s license.  Candidates should have or be willing to obtain WHMIS, First Aid and CPR training.  

Experience: Experience in crop research and experience operating small plot equipment such as tractors and combines will be an asset. 

Skills: Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English.  Should be able to drive a truck and trailer or be willing to learn how to do so.  Proficiency with common business computer programs will be an asset.  This position requires a motivated, reliable and well-organized person able to work in a multi-disciplinary group environment.

To apply: visit careers.usask.ca


The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request.

The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

PhD Student Position Now Available to Study Occupational Health in Agricultural Machinery Operators

Join an interdisciplinary team of researchers led by Dr Stephan Milosavljevic (Faculty, Primary Supervisor) and Dr Dena Burnett (Post-Doc, Co-supervisor) with the School of Rehabilitation Science at the University of Saskatchewan. In conjunction with the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, this highly practical team offers personalized mentorship and the opportunity to work both in-field and in-lab with agricultural producers in the field of occupational health. We currently have an opening for one PhD student to study the effect of noise and whole-body vibration exposure on the health of agricultural machinery operators through smart device app validation, in-field data collection, participant interviews and focus groups, statistical modeling, and knowledge translation.

Farm machinery operation is one of the most dangerous occupations in Canada. During daily tasks, machinery operators are exposed to high levels of occupational whole-body vibration and noise often exceeding safe occupational exposure limits, and contributing to the risk of equipment-related injuries, collisions, accidents and possibly death. Negative health effects related to vibration and noise exposure include low back and musculoskeletal pain, cognitive impairment, loss of concentration and reaction time, and disturbances to balance and body awareness. These health deficiencies, and associated injuries and accidents, may be preventable if operators have accessible tools to measure and monitor exposure levels, as well as practical evidence-based in-field strategies to aid in reducing these exposures. The overall aim of our work is to develop practical, evidence-based, feasible, and producer-demonstrated strategies to reduce the negative health effects of on-farm vibration and noise exposure related to agricultural machinery use.

The applicant should have a Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy, Health Sciences, Community Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Agriculture, Biological or Biomedical Engineering, Kinesiology, or a related field. Familiarity in research in one or more of the following areas will be considered as assets: occupational health, ergonomics, health exposure risk assessment, rehabilitation science, industrial health and safety, and mixed-methods analysis. Knowledge of data analysis and interpretation using statistical software is required. This project will involve on-farm and in-field data collection; although not required, a farming or agricultural background will be considered a strong asset. The successful applicant will also require a Class 5 Saskatchewan Driver’s License (or equivalent), either currently obtained or in the process of obtaining upon position start.

The applicant should be independent, self-motivated, and will be expected to be able to perform tasks with minimal to modest supervision after receiving appropriate training. Applicants must be detail oriented, possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and be understanding of the flexibility and pragmatism required to implement methodological modifications during in-field data collection where necessary. Successful applicants will be expected to apply for external funding opportunities. Anticipated start would be either September 2023 or January 2024.

Applicants should send the following documents to Dr Stephan Milosavljevic, stephan.milosavljevic@usask.ca:

  • Current CV with list of publications and research experience,
  • Transcripts (unofficial accepted),
  • Contact information for 2 references, one of whom should be a previous research supervisor,
  • Short statement of how your interests and career goals may be a match for this position.

Applicants are required to apply and be admitted to the Health Sciences graduate program at the University of Saskatchewan to fill the position. Candidates whose first language is not English may be required to provide a certificate of English proficiency. Admission requirements can be found on the CGPS website (https://cgps.usask.ca/).

The Prairie Swine Centre is seeking passionate, bright, and highly motivated individuals interested in a position as an MSc or PhD graduate student in the disciplines of swine nutrition, physiology, and health. The successful candidates will join a strong, multidisciplinary academic and research team with expertise in non-ruminant nutrition, feed processing, management, welfare, metabolism, and physiology. The anticipated start date is September 2023.

 The successful candidates will lead and assist with projects involving both classical swine nutrition (e.g., growth performance, nutrient utilization) and advanced (e.g., metabolomics, proteomics, disease challenge, PCR) techniques.  Our current nutrition research program is focused on the impact of early-life nutrition on growth, impact of nutrition on health, and factors affecting nutrient requirements and utilization.  The successful candidate’s research program will focus on one of the following specific project areas:

 MSc Projects:

  1. Application of precision feeding techniques using blend-feeding technology
  2. Methods to improve performance of pigs receiving mycotoxin-contaminated diets

PhD Projects:

  1. Improving weaning transition, including evaluating weaning management practices and development of successful pre-weaning nutritional interventions (creep feed)
  2. Amino acid supplementation to improve pig health and performance

Qualifications: The desire and ability to lead research projects and work within a team of other highly motivated individuals are of critical importance to this position.

All applicants will be required to meet criteria for acceptance as a graduate student at the University of Saskatchewan as outlined by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements before applying.

 A vehicle and driver’s licence is required. For international applicants, ability to obtain the necessary documents for travel and work in Canada will be required upon offer of employment.

MSc positions - Candidates must hold, or will have completed, a BSc in a related discipline such as animal science, animal physiology, nutrition, or veterinary science. Previous experience with livestock, especially swine, and knowledge of nutrition and immunology, nutrient utilization, protein metabolism, and feed formulation will be considered an asset.

 PhD positions - Candidates must hold, or will have completed, an MSc in a related discipline such as animal science, animal physiology, nutrition, or veterinary science. Previous experience with livestock, especially swine, and knowledge of nutrition and immunology, nutrient utilization, protein metabolism, and feed formulation is required. Experience in bioinformatics, disease challenge (biosafety-level 2), and meta-analysis and a track record of peer-reviewed publications will be considered an asset.

Prairie Swine Centre (www.prairieswine.com) is a non-profit swine production research corporation affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan and located 10 km southeast of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It offers a nationally and internationally recognized research programs in nutrition, ethology, and engineering, knowledge transfer, and education all directed towards the efficiency and sustainability of pork production.

The University of Saskatchewan (www.usask.ca) is located in Saskatoon, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The Department of Animal and Poultry Science is well-recognized nationally and internationally as a research-intensive department. The department’s highly-trained and enthusiastic faculty members and adjunct professors have extensive, high-quality applied and basic research programs that cover a wide range of topics in animal science and related areas.

 The Prairie Swine Centre and University of Saskatchewan have instated a number of health and safety requirements for faculty, staff and students in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of January 2022, being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is a condition of employment and proof of vaccination with a Health Canada approved vaccine will be required. The Centre will consider accommodations requests for individuals in accordance with the requirements of The Saskatchewan

Human Rights Code, 2018.

The Prairie Swine Centre and University of Saskatchewan believe equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request.

For more information or to apply please contact Dr. Dan Columbus. Interested candidates are asked to include in their application package a cover letter including their career interests, their curriculum vitae, and copies of transcripts.  Screening of candidates will continue until the positions are filled.  Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Dr. Dan Columbus

Prairie Swine Centre

Box 21057, 2105-8th Street East

Saskatoon, SK, S7H 5N9

Tel: 1-306-667-7432

Email: dan.columbus@usask.ca

The Bennett, Lamb, and Kelln labs in the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan are recruiting multiple post-doctoral positions to start between February and September 2023. Our labs study rangeland ecology and management with an emphasis on plant-soil interactions, fire ecology, grazing ecology, forage production systems, and grassland community ecology.

We are looking for ecologists with strong publication records and strong quantitative skills. We are particularly interested in researchers with a background or interest in grassland fire ecology, plant-soil interactions, soil greenhouse gas production, and grazing ecology, but will consider individuals with backgrounds in related plant ecology, soil ecology, and range management fields. Each position is tied to a project with specific research goals and deliverables; there will be substantial scope for each PDF to develop independent and collaborative lines of research.

One position is available for a start as early as February 2023. Pending confirmation of funding, additional positions will become available for starts in spring or summer 2023. Depending on the position you will be primarily supervised by one of Lamb or Bennett or co-supervised by two of the three PIs. Links to our individual lab webpages are here:

Minimum qualifications:

  • Have received a PhD in a relevant discipline within the last 5 years, or have a defense scheduled prior to July 2023.
  • Lead author on at least one paper published or in review at a peer reviewed venue.
  • Willing to relocate to Saskatoon, SK. All of the positions involve fieldwork in Saskatchewan. We welcome international applicants; see the link to the appointment process below for information about work permits.

Compensation

A minimum of $55,000 CAD per year plus benefits. This is a unionized position with a range of health and other benefits paid by the employer. For more information on the appointment process and benefits please see this link: https://cgps.usask.ca/postdocs/appointment-info/future-postdocs.php

Application Procedure

Send a cover letter including a description of your research interests and your CV to Eric Lamb (eric.lamb@usask.ca). There is no deadline for application, but we expect that the first positions could be hired as early as February 2023.

The Prairie Swine Centre is seeking a passionate, bright, and highly motivated individual interested
for a position as PhD graduate student in the disciplines of swine nutrition, physiology, and health. The
successful candidate will join a strong, multidisciplinary academic and research team with expertise in
non-ruminant nutrition, feed processing, management, welfare, metabolism, and physiology.

The successful candidate will lead and assist with projects involving both classical swine nutrition
(growth performance, nutrient utilization) and advanced (metabolomics, proteomics, disease
challenge, PCR) techniques. Our current nutrition research program focused on the impact of earlylife
nutrition on growth, impact of nutrition on health, and factors affecting nutrient requirements and
utilization. The Postdoctoral Associate will also assist with the training and supervision of both
masters and doctoral graduate students. Pursuit of independent project funding is encouraged.

Qualifications: The desire and ability to lead research projects and work within a team of other highly
motivated individuals are of critical importance to this position. A vehicle and driver’s licence is
required. Candidates must hold, or will have completed, an MSc in a related discipline such as animal
science, animal physiology, nutrition, or veterinary science. Previous experience with livestock,
especially swine, and knowledge of nutrition and immunology, nutrient utilization, protein
metabolism, and feed formulation is required. Experience in bioinformatics, disease challenge
(biosafety-level 2), and meta-analysis and a track record of peer-reviewed publications will be
considered an asset.

Position start date is May 1, 2022. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Prairie Swine Centre (www.prairieswine.com) is a non-profit swine production research corporation
affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan and located 10 km southeast of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It offers a nationally and internationally recognized program in research, technology
transfer, and education all directed towards the efficiency and sustainability of pork production.

The University of Saskatchewan (www.usask.ca) is located in Saskatoon, a city with a diverse and
thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The
Department of Animal and Poultry Science is well-recognized nationally and internationally as a research-intensive department. The department’s highly-trained and enthusiastic faculty members and adjunct professors have extensive, high-quality applied and basic research programs that cover a wide range of topics in animal science and related areas.

The Prairie Swine Centre and University of Saskatchewan have instated a number of health and safety
requirements for faculty, staff and students in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of January
4, 2022, being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is a condition of employment and proof of vaccination with a Health Canada approved vaccine will be required. The Centre will consider accommodations requests for individuals in accordance with the requirements of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018.

The Prairie Swine Centre and University of Saskatchewan believe equity, diversity, and inclusion
strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to
recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates
are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian
citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on theaccommodation request.

For international applicants, ability to obtain the necessary documents for travel and work in Canada
will be required upon offer of employment.

For more information or to apply please contact Dr. Dan Columbus. Interested candidates are asked to
include in their application package a cover letter including their career interests, their curriculum vitae,
and copies of transcripts. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Dr. Dan Columbus
Prairie Swine Centre
Box 21057, 2105-8th Street East
Saskatoon, SK, S7H 5N9
Tel: 1-306-667-7432
Fax: 1-306-955-2510
Email: dan.columbus@usask.ca

The University of Saskatchewan has acquired funding to support eight West African and two Canadian Early Career Researcher (ECR) / Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) / PhD scholars (at dissertation stage) for an interdisciplinary exchange program between Canada, Ghana, and Senegal.

Please see the application for more details. 

Two M.Sc. and 1 Ph.D. positions are available immediately for work within the area of plant protein ingredients and food chemistry. The demand for plant-based protein alternatives around the globe is on the rise as consumers and the food industry search for non-dairy non-soy alternatives that are low cost, abundant, nutritious, functional and environmentally sustainable. However, significant ingredient innovation is required in order to bring new oilseed, cereal and pulse derived ingredients to the marketplace, and be competitive. The three research projects are as follows:

[1] Evaluation of the effects of germination on the physicochemical, functional and nutritional properties of Navy bean and red lentil flours.  This M.Sc. project examines changes to seed composition and morphology during germination overtime, and then accesses the functional attributes of their resulting flours (solubility, water/oil holding capacities and, foaming, emulsifying and pasting abilities). The project will also access changes to in vitro starch and protein digestibility.

[2] Examination of the impact of particle size on the wet extraction process for protein isolates from yellow pea, red lentil, Navy bean and Kabuli chickpeas, and their resulting physicochemical, functional and nutritional properties. This M.Sc. project examines the impact of particle sizes on the ability to extract proteins from a range of pulses for purposes of developing an isolate. The formed ingredients will be evaluated based on their composition, protein profile, interfacial properties functionality and nutritional value.

[3] Evaluation of the protein quality and functionality of flour and protein isolates from a variety of advanced pea breeding lines. This Ph.D. project examines the nutritional value, interfacial properties and functional attributes of flour and isolate ingredients derived from advanced pea lines bred for their amino acid profile and total protein content. Protein quality, will involve measuring amino acid profiles using multiple methods, and in vitro digestibility for determination of PDCAAS values).

Ideal applicants will: have a B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in Food Science or related discipline; have hands on experience in food chemistry or material science; have excellent oral and written communications skills; and have a publication record (in the case of Ph.D. applicants).

Funding for these opportunities is available at the University of Saskatchewan (Dr. Michael Nickerson) at a level of $20,000/yr for 2 years (M.Sc.) and $24,000/yr for 3 years (Ph.D.).

How to Apply*: Send your Curriculum vitae, transcripts, any recent publications, English test scores and a covering letter stating how your background and qualifications match the position to Dr. Michael Nickerson

*Only qualified matches will be asked to submit a formal application and interviewed.

Undergraduate Student and Summer term employment

The Department of Plant Sciences along with the Crop Development Centre is now accepting applications for summer employment for the 2023 growing season.

Submit the application below and in a separate email attach a current resume listing education, employment history, and names and contact information of three references and an unofficial transcript from PAWS or your educational institution to General Office-Plant Sciences