ASSISTANT OR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR – CEREAL AND FLAX CROP PATHOLOGIST

The American Phytopathological Society (APS); Saskatoon; Hybrid; CAD 114,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental & health benefits

Pension plan

Professional expense allowance

Wellness program

Job summary

The Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan invites applications for a crop pathologist to lead a cereal and flax pathology program, with 85% focus on small grain cereals and 15% on flax. The position is tenure-track-equivalent and will be hired at assistant or associate professor level.

The appointee will integrate field, greenhouse, and molecular approaches, supervise graduate students, teach at undergraduate/graduate levels, and develop an externally funded research

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plant pathology or related discipline with demonstrated expertise in applied and molecular plant pathology.
• Excellent communication skills and capability to engage in outreach activities with cereal and flax producers.
• Post-doctoral experience relevant to the position and potential for leadership in research and teaching.

Responsibilities

• Teach at undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Supervise M.Sc. and Ph.D. students and mentor post-graduate fellows.
• Lead an externally funded cereal and flax pathology program.
• Collaborate with cereal and flax breeders and manage disease nurseries.

Skills

Communication skills

Outreach activities

Leadership

Collaboration

Grant writing

Molecular plant pathology

Education

Ph.D. in plant pathology

Job description

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 lead an established cereal and flax pathology program and build a world-class, externally funded research program addressing priority diseases of cereal and flax crops. In close collaboration with CDC cereal and flax breeders, they will establish and manage disease nurseries and lead the evaluation and screening of germplasm and breeding lines for disease resistance. Their research program will integrate field, greenhouse, laboratory, and molecular approaches to advance fundamental and applied research and develop host-pathogen-informed strategies that enhance disease resistance, accelerate variety development, and support crop improvement.

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 requires a Ph.D. in plant pathology or related discipline, with demonstrated expertise in applied and molecular plant pathology, genetics of plant disease resistance, and an 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, provide scientific leadership to support staff, and contribute as a collaborative research partner with the cereal and flax breeding teams at the CDC. 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 m2of greenhouse space; field laboratories; seed storage areas and a seed cleaning plant; a controlled environment facility; and the Canadian Light Source.

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.

For best consideration, applications should be received by November 20th, 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.