Postdoctoral Fellow, Researcher in Haskap Genotyping, Plant Sciences

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in Plant Sciences focusing on haskap genotyping. The role involves advanced sequencing, bioinformatics analyses, and extensive field and lab work. Candidates must have a recent PhD in relevant fields, strong communication skills, and the ability to work within a collaborative team. This two-year position offers the chance to contribute significantly to research initiatives in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• PhD awarded no earlier than 2022.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively while meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research on haskap genetic resources.
• Conduct genotyping of plants under varied conditions.
• Establish plant experiments and conduct DNA analyses.
• Collaborate with industry stakeholders and publish results.

Skills

Horticulture

Plant genomics

Large-scale data analysis

Programming in R

Population genetics

Education

PhD in bioinformatics, plant genetics, or plant breeding

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow, Researcher in Haskap Genotyping, Plant Sciences

Primary Purpose: The successful candidate will contribute to research focused on characterizing haskap (Lonicera caerulea) genetic resources maintained within the USask Fruit Program. The primary focus will be on genotyping genetically diverse accessions that exhibit distinct responses to specific growing conditions.

Nature of Work: The USask Fruit Program invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Anže Švara. This research will leverage advanced sequencing and bioinformatics analyses and will be conducted across field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings. A combination of field, greenhouse, laboratory, and computer-based activities.

Accountabilities: The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in advancing the research and breeding efforts of the USask Fruit Program. They will join a collaborative team of plant breeders and horticultural scientists, focusing on genetic research to support breeding initiatives. Key responsibilities include establishing plant experiments, sampling, conducting ploidy analysis, DNA extraction, sequencing data processing, developing association analysis pipelines, and implementing scalable workflows for high-throughput data analysis. The researcher will collaborate with stakeholders, disseminate results through scientific publications and public channels, and work closely with project partners, growers, industry representatives, and other collaborators. Additional duties include manuscript preparation, grant writing, reporting, assisting with lab activities, supervising junior members, and coordinating team efforts. We seek a motivated highly organized team player committed to fostering a supportive, diverse, equitable, inclusive, and collegial work environment.

Education: To meet the eligibility criteria and apply for this position consult the Future graduate students website of the University of Saskatchewan: https://cgps.usask.ca/postdocs/appointment-info/future-postdocs.php

This is a two-year position (2026-2027) with a possibility of extension. The position requires a candidate who can begin work in the first half of 2026 and holds a PhD awarded no earlier than 2022, specializing in bioinformatics, plant genetics, or plant breeding. Candidates must demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills in English and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while meeting tight deadlines.

Experience: Candidates must demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills in English and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while meeting tight deadlines.

Skills: Background in horticulture, plant genomics, large-scale data analysis, or programming skills is preferred. Demonstrated experience in population genetics using genome-wide genetic marker datasets, statistics, programming in R and command-line environments, and work in field, greenhouse, laboratory, and computational settings would be considered an asset. Possession of a valid Class 5 driver’s license is also an asset.

To Apply: Interested candidates should apply with a brief cover letter (maximum 1 page), a CV including a list of publications with the applicants’ contributions, and contact information for two references, and academic transcripts.

Department: Plant Sciences
Supervisor Job Title: Principal Investigator
Status: Term
Employment Group: Postdoctoral Fellows - PSAC
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary Information: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Posted Date: 1/7/2026
Closing Date: Open until filled
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

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 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 Human Resources for assistance.