Postdoctoral Fellow, Plant Sciences, Nitrogen Cycling & Regenerative Agriculture

Updated: 27 days ago
Location: Saskatoon, SASKATCHEWAN

Primary Purpose: The PDF will conduct research aimed at better understanding nitrogen flow, cycling, use efficiency, and losses in crop production systems.

Nature of Work: The PDF will work closely with Dr. Kate Congreves’ lab and her collaborators to plan, design, and implement agricultural research experiments on nitrogen flow, cycling, use efficiency, and losses. Research will involve 15 N stable isotope techniques, nitrous oxide emission measurements, and modelling nitrogen flows. Diverse cropping systems will be studied, including (but not limited to) wheat, lentil, canola, mustard, pea, etc. Experiments will be agronomic in nature but are closely linked to genetic/breeding efforts of collaborators, as well as nitrogen budget efforts via national and international collaborations. 

Accountabilities: The PDF will be responsible for all aspects of research projects and will work closely with the principal investigator and her network of collaborators. Specific responsibilities will include planning, designing, and implementing research protocols, sample collection and processing, data management and statistical analysis, writing manuscripts and reports, and delivering presentations.

Education: Applicants are expected to hold a PhD in a related field (earned within the last 5 years).

Experience: Demonstrated experience conducting agricultural experiments with crops is required. Experience analyzing large datasets, producing high-quality data visualizations, and publishing papers in reputable peer-reviewed journals is required. Experience with 15 N isotopes or nitrous oxide emissions would be an asset.

Skills: Demonstrated ability to create and foster relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and education levels is important. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are required. The applicant must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills, with an aptitude for teamwork and collaboration.

To Apply:
Interested applicants must include the following in their application: a one-page statement of research experience and interests, a curriculum vitae, and names and contact information for three referees. Applicants with an incomplete application package will not be considered. 

Department: Plant Sciences
Status: Term
Employment Group: Post-Doctoral Fellows - PSAC
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary Information: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Posted Date: 5/23/2024
Closing Date: 4 Weeks. 6/19/2024
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus


The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. 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 an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. 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 the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and 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’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.