Faculty Positions
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 assume a well established and productive cereal and flax pathology program. They will develop a world-class, externally funded field-based research program with focus on cereal and flax pathology. The position will integrate applied research (e.g., identification and deployment of host resistance) with fundamental research (e.g., the biology of fungal and bacterial pathogens and their interactions with host plants) to advance breeding and disease‑management strategies for cereal and flax crops.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 2026-2027 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Appointment to this position will require a Ph.D. in field-based plant pathology, genetics of plant disease resistance, 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 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 (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 26,000. Over the next decade, the University will work to become 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 more than 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; academic transcripts; and contact information for three referees, should be submitted in a single PDF file as an Email attachment 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 (https://agbio.usask.ca), the Department of Plant Science (https://agbio.usask.ca/departments/plant-sciences.php) and the Crop Development Centre (cdc.usask.ca) can be found online.
Employment Group: USFA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Posted Date: 2/24/2026
Closing Date: 4/15/2026
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
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 strengthen 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 the 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 provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.
The Crop Development Centre (CDC), Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) invites applications for a pulse crop plant breeder to work on field pea. 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 assume and maintain a well established and productive breeding program involving field pea. The plant breeder will develop and release improved varieties to serve the needs of western Canadian agriculture, 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. The candidate will also be expected to perform outreach. 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 field pea 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 but is expected to establish 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.
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 2026-2027 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Appointment to the position will require a Ph.D. in plant breeding, genetics, or related discipline and demonstrated experience and/or a proven understanding of plant breeding and crop improvement. The candidate must have excellent communication skills and show potential to participate in outreach activities aimed at pulse crop 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 (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 26,000. Over the next decade, the University will work to become 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 more than 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; academic transcripts; and contact information for three referees should be submitted in a single PDF file as an Email attachment 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 https://agbio.usask.ca, the Department of Plant Science (https://agbio.usask.ca/departments/plant-sciences.php) and the Crop Development Centre (cdc.usask.ca) can be found online.
Employment Group: USFA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Posted Date: 2/24/2026
Closing Date: 4/15/2026
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
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 strengthen 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 the 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 provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.