Assistant or Associate Professor – Pulse Crop Breeder

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 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” – https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/sustainable-canadian-agricultural-partnership/programs-for-research/strategic-research-programs

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.

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 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.
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For best consideration, applications should be received by April 15, 2026. 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.

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