ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, FRUIT GENETICS AND IMPROVEMENT

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR - Fruit genetics and Improvement

The Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) invites applications for a faculty position in fruit genetics and improvement. This is a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor. It is anticipated that research will be focused on fruit genetics and breeding of perennial horticulture crops for the northern prairies (haskap, sour cherry, apple, and/or hazelnuts, for example). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to assume a well-established breeding program focused on these crops. The current breeding program has established the most comprehensive haskap collection in the world, which is an excellent resource for breeding and genetics-related research. Through cutting-edge research, the candidate will work to fully realize the potential of genetics and genomics in transforming cultivar development, with a goal of developing and releasing improved varieties of these crops. Integration of conventional and modern genetic and genomic tools and technologies is expected to achieve the goals of the program. Areas of research the successful candidate could pursue include genetic or genomic studies of agronomic traits, biotic and abiotic stress tolerances, physiology and metabolism, etc., in order to complement a breeding program. The candidate will perform outreach duties as required, and publish the research findings in leading peer-reviewed journals. The appointee will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Plant Sciences, and will be required to supervise M.Sc. and Ph.D. students and mentor post-graduate fellows. Collaboration with local, national and international programs and colleagues is expected. In addition, the individual will establish a rigorous, competitive, and extramurally funded research program that should be eligible for Government of Canada Tri-Council funding.

Salary bands for this position for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows: Assistant Professor: $99,945 to $120,099. 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.

This position requires a Ph.D. in breeding or genetics (experience with perennial fruit crops is preferred), or a closely related discipline, and a demonstrated understanding of genetics and crop improvement. The candidate must have excellent communication skills and a willingness to participate in outreach activities such as engagement with producers, industry and government, participation on industry committees and advisory boards, and participation in technology transfer and variety commercialization. Post-doctoral experience relevant to the position, with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching is preferred. Candidates should 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, will work effectively with support staff and as part of collaborative and multi-disciplinary teams. The successful 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 27,000. Over the next decade, the USask will work to becoming 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 a 110-year reputation for teaching, research, and outreach and is a 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 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 >1,450 hectares; 1,200 m². of greenhouse space; field laboratories; seed storage areas and a seed cleaning plant; a controlled environment facility; and the Canadian Light Source.

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, faba bean and soybean. Since its inception in 1971, the CDC has released over 500 commercial varieties in over 40 different crop types.

APPLICATION PROCEDUREApplications, including an up-to-date CV, statement of research, statement of teaching philosophy, statement on equity, diversity, and inclusion, academic transcripts, and contact information for three referees, should be submitted as a single PDF file to:

Dr. Christian Willenborg (c/o Kendra Panko)

Head, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan,

51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 5A8. Email: kendra.panko@usask.ca

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.

Review of applications will begin May 31, 2024; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2024.

INFORMATION

The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis. More information about the University of Saskatchewan (www.usask.ca) , College of Agriculture and Bioresources (www.agbio.usask.ca), the Department of Plant Science (www.agbio.usask.ca/departments/plant-sciences.php) and the Crop Development Centre (cdc.usask.ca) can be found online.

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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.