Postdoctoral Fellow

Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO); Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

VIDO, Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join Dr. Troy Sutton’s team.

The role focuses on seasonal influenza and highly pathogenic avian influenza, including transmission studies, pandemic risk assessments, and vaccine development in animal models under containment level 2 and 3 facilities. The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments, analyze humoral and cellular immunity, write proposals and publications, and mentor students

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Virology, Microbiology, Immunology).
• Experience working with eukaryotic viruses and mammalian cells.
• Experience conducting molecular biology and/or molecular virology.
• Experience evaluating humoral and/or cellular immunity in animal models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on seasonal influenza and highly pathogenic avian influenza.
• Study transmission, perform pandemic risk assessments, and develop influenza vaccines in animal models.
• Write proposals and publications; train students and technical staff.

Skills

Eukaryotic viruses

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Immunology concepts

Education

PhD in Virology/Immunology

Job description

120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7N 5E3

Contract: July 7, 2026

Description

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, is a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals. Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, VIDO is home to one of the largest and most advanced containment level 3 facilities in the world. To strengthen the preparedness for emerging infectious diseases we are currently expanding our infrastructure to include containment level 4 capacity, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and a new animal housing facility. Our vision includes having the capacity to study any emerging disease in any animal model embracing a One Health approach to prevent emerging and re‑emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals.

Position Summary

Dr. Troy Sutton, Principal Scientist, is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow to join his team. The candidate will conduct research on seasonal influenza viruses and highly pathogenic avian influenza. Specifically, the candidate will study transmission of these viruses, perform pandemic risk assessment studies, and develop influenza vaccines in animal models. These studies will include the assessment of the humoral and cellular immune response in ferrets. The candidate will also be responsible for writing proposals and publications, and training students and technical staff. The successful candidate must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication (both oral and written) skills. Importantly, the candidate will work well independently and in a team. The candidate will perform research under both containment level 2 and 3 conditions.

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Fellow with the following competencies and experience:

Essential Experience and Skills

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Virology, Microbiology, Immunology)
• Demonstrated expertise working with eukaryotic viruses and mammalian cells
• Experience conducting molecular biology and/or molecular virology
• Experience evaluating humoral and/or cellular immunity in animal models

Desirable Experience and Skills

• Experience culturing and differentiating primary cells
• Track record of high‑quality publications in relevant research area
• Experience working in containment level 3 laboratories is valued but not required.

Status: 2-year term, with possibility of extension

Employment Group: Postdoctoral Fellows – PSAC

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary Information: The starting salary will follow the university standard for a post‑doctoral researcher and will be commensurate with experience.

Note: The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.