"Cereal and Flax 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 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).

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 (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; 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

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