The Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) invites applications for a faculty position in precision agronomy. This is a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor. The preferred candidate will join a cohort of several new professors being hired by the College of Agriculture and Bioresources within the strategic area of Sustainable and Digital Agriculture, a priority research area rich in potential for collaboration, partnership, innovation, and impact. Information about this cluster hire can be found at agbio.usask.ca/agbio-cluster.php.

The candidate will be expected to develop a research program in precision and digital agriculture to increase the productivity, sustainability and profitability of dryland cropping systems. Several million acres in Saskatchewan are regularly managed with digital agriculture technologies by commercial precision agriculture providers. Remotely sensed data is now available to monitor cropland with a variety of sensors and prescriptions for crop inputs are developed. It is expected the candidate will work to improve the understanding of spatial and temporal variability in dryland cropping systems by using remote sensing and autonomous tools with a goal of optimizing crop management. Potential areas of research could include the use of digital technologies to inform sustainable crop management decisions, improved prediction and management of crop production and soil management, pest management, soil-water relations, and crop nutrient dynamics. 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 producer groups, as well as 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. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and have access to facilities from across campus including the Global Institute for Food Security, Canadian Light Source, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, National Research Council of Canada, as well as those of industry partners.

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 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, including two large research farms; 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 PROCEDURE

Applications, 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 September 1, 2024; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is Jan 1, 2025.

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.

This position requires a Ph.D. in either agronomy, crop science, soils science, remote sensing, environmental science, or a closely related discipline. The ideal candidate would have demonstrated experience in precision and digital technologies such as (but not limited to) remote sensing, yield mapping, proximally sensed crop and soil data, simulation models and machine learning techniques. The candidate must have excellent communication skills and show potential to participate in outreach activities aimed western Canadian producers. Expected outreach will include 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, and 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 but also effectively with support staff and others as part of collaborative and multi-disciplinary teams. Consequently, a high level of collegiality and professionalism both within the department and beyond is expected. The successful candidate is expected to have an understanding and commitment to enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

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