The Crop Development Centre (CDC), Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) invites applications for a plant breeder for spring wheat (85% of plant breeding activity) and canary seed (15% of plant breeding activity). This position is a tenure-track-equivalent, “Continuous Status” position (Please see Article 34 in the following link for more details: https://usaskfaculty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2017-2022-Collective-Agreement.pdf#page=81). 

The successful candidate will assume and maintain a well established and productive breeding program involving bread wheat, speciality wheat, and canary seed. The plant breeder will develop and release improved varieties to serve the needs of western Canadian agriculture, perform outreach duties as required, and teach course(s) in plant breeding or a related area in the Department of Plant Sciences as assigned by the Department Head.  The plant breeder will integrate conventional and modern tools and technologies to develop innovative approaches to achieving the goals of the program.  In addition, the individual will be expected to establish a competitive and extramurally funded research program with a focus on spring wheat and canary seed improvement.  The plant breeder will complement breeding activities with genetic or related scholarly work in agronomy, biotic and abiotic stress tolerances, and/or quality traits and is expected to publish the research findings in leading peer-reviewed journals. Collaboration with local, national and international programs is expected. 

The plant breeder will work with the incumbent lead scientist during an initial transition period and will work to continue 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. The appointee will 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.

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:

(https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/agricultural-research-programs/intellectual-capacity/strategic-research-program).

Salary bands for this position for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows:  Assistant Professor: $99,945 to $120,101. 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.

Qualifications:

This position requires a Ph.D. in plant breeding and genetics, or a closely related discipline, and a demonstrated understanding of plant breeding and crop improvement.  The candidate must have excellent communication skills and show potential to participate in outreach activities aimed at spring wheat and canary seed 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 should be eligible for membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists (https://sia.sk.ca/).   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, with support staff, and as part of collaborative and multi-disciplinary teams.  The candidate is expected to have an understanding and commitment to enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) 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 Universities.  It offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of about 20,000. Over the next decade, the University will work to becoming one of the top 10 medical-doctoral universities in Canada and one of a select few internationally in key areas - including Agriculture, one of the Universities Signature Areas of Research. 

The College of Agriculture and Bioresources is an international leader in applied research and scholarship with expertise in, and integrated across, three primary scientific and social domains; food and bioproduct sciences; environment, ecology and community; and sustainable production systems.  It has a 110-year reputation for teaching, research, and outreach and is a pillar of strength for the University of Saskatchewan. The College has played a pivotal role in the development of sustainable agriculture and food industries in Saskatchewan and continues its mission to advance the responsible use of land, water and bioresources to provide products and services that enhance the quality of life for the people of Saskatchewan and around the world.  Our faculty is committed to providing an exceptional learning experience and preparing graduates for leadership in the new bio-economy.

The Crop Development Centre (CDC) is a field crop research organization within the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. Focusing on plant breeding and pathology, CDC scientists deploy the latest scientific advances to improve the agronomic and end-use performances of spring wheat, durum, canary seed, barley, oat, flax, field pea, lentil, chickpea, dry bean, fababean and soybean.  Since its inception in 1971, the CDC has released over 500 commercial varieties in over 40 different crop types.   The Department of Plant Sciences is a centre for teaching, research and outreach related to the development, production and management of field and horticulture crops and to the management of non-arable grasslands on the Canadian prairies. The department is currently composed of 27 faculty members.  Within the department, the Crop Development Centre includes eight faculty and associated technical and administrative staff and graduate students.  To support its research activities, the department employs 72 term research associates and post-doctoral fellows, and well over 116 support staff. It has access to a land base of more than 1,450 hectares; 1,200 m² of greenhouse space; field laboratories; seed storage areas and a seed cleaning plant; a controlled environment facility; and the Canadian Light Source. 

Application Procedure 

Applications, including an up-to-date CV, statement of research, statement on equity, diversity, and inclusion, academic transcripts, and contact information for three referees, should be submitted as a single PDF file to Dr. Curtis J. Pozniak, Director, Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 5A8.  Email: curtis.pozniak@usask.ca

Information 

The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis.  More information about the University of Saskatchewan (www.usask.ca), College of Agriculture and Bioresources (www.agbio.usask.ca), the Department of Plant Science (www.agbio.usask.ca/departments/plant-sciences.php) and the Crop Development Centre (cdc.usask.ca) can be found online. 

For best consideration, applications should be received by February 20^th, 2023.  The University of Saskatchewan believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation, and creativity. All members of the university community share a responsibility for developing and maintaining an environment in which differences are valued and inclusiveness is practiced.  We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. Women, indigenous people, and other minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Due to federal immigration requirements, we also ask candidates to indicate whether they are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or are otherwise already authorized to work at this position for the duration of the appointment, with an explanation if this last category is indicated.  In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

This position requires a Ph.D. in plant breeding and genetics, or a closely related discipline, and a demonstrated understanding of plant breeding and crop improvement.  The candidate must have excellent communication skills and show potential to participate in outreach activities aimed at spring wheat and canary seed 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 should be eligible for membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists (https://sia.sk.ca/).   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, with support staff, and as part of collaborative and multi-disciplinary teams.  The candidate is expected to have an understanding and commitment to enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.