Industry Chair in Integrated Forage Management and Utilization

Western Canada is home to over 96% of Canada’s tame and native pasture. At nearly 45 million acres, these forage resources underpin the economic sustainability of over 43,000 beef cattle operations generating 88% of Canada’s cow-calf production and 79% of Canada’s feedlot production. In addition to providing an affordable high-quality grazing and feed resource for the beef and dairy sectors, forage systems are increasingly recognized as providing critically valuable agro-ecosystem benefits. In order for the full benefits of forages to be realized, it is critical to bridge interdisciplinary boundaries and study the interactions among animals, plants, soils, economics and ecosystems.

Applications are invited from qualified individuals for a full-time (12-month) continuing status position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, jointly held in the Departments of Animal and Poultry Science and Plant Sciences (primary academic home to be determined following the interview). This industry chair is jointly funded by the Beef Cattle Research Council, the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, and the Global Institute for Food Security. As an industry-funded Chair, the position is approximately 50% research, 20% teaching, 20% extension and 10% administration.

The successful candidate will join a strong, well-established multidisciplinary team with expertise in forage breeding, rangeland ecology, environmental sustainability, feed processing and all aspects of beef production, including genetics, nutrition, management, welfare, toxicology, metabolism, and physiology. The successful candidate will bridge these disciplinary boundaries and lead systems-based forage and pasture management and utilization research that considers interactions among animals, plants, soils, economics, and ecosystem services. Specifically, the candidate will focus on the development and evaluation of 1) agronomic strategies that optimize forage establishment, yield, quality and stand longevity, and 2) feeding and grazing strategies that optimize animal performance while contributing to improved soil health and environmental sustainability. They will establish a rigorous, externally-funded research program that involves applied research of direct interest to industry and specifically to producers, as well as basic research that is eligible for Government of Canada Tri-Council funding. They will also be expected to bring together relevant expertise (from both within and outside the College of Agriculture and Bioresources) to realize the agronomic, economic, and environmental value and benefits of forages. They will provide knowledge and technology transfer to cattle producers across western Canada, industry professionals, provincial extension staff and other stakeholders as well as to the academic community at national and international conferences/symposia. They will also be a liaison with external stakeholders and obtain guidance on industry research needs. In addition, the successful candidate will participate in and lead courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, supervise student research projects (undergraduate, M.Sc., Ph.D.) and participate in the administrative activities of the Department, College and University.

The College of Agriculture and Bioresources is an international leader in applied research and scholarship with expertise and integration across four primary themes: Plants and Animals; Food, Feed and Bioproducts; Environment and Ecology; and Business and Applied Economics. The college has a century-long reputation for teaching, research and outreach and has been a consistent strength for the university. The college has played a pivotal role in the development of the agriculture and food industries in Saskatchewan and continues to build on a legacy of public engagement and cooperative partnerships. Our faculty is committed to providing an exceptional learning experience and preparing graduates for leadership in the bio-economy.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and have access to facilities from across campus including those from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence, VIDO-Intervac, Global Institute for Food Security, Global Institute for Water Security, Canadian Light Source, and the Health Science complex.

The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 25,000.

This position requires a Ph.D. in forage or range science or a related discipline and demonstrated expertise in forage systems research. Experience with investigating integrated approaches to forage and pasture management and utilization is preferred, as is demonstrated experience in outreach and engagement with producers and industry. Relevant post-doctoral experience is an asset, as is demonstrated effectiveness in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Candidates should be eligible for membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to establish effective working relationships are essential. The University of Saskatchewan values diversity and experience in teaching and in creating positive working relationships with Indigenous and culturally diverse students, staff, and faculty.

Salary bands for this position for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows:
Assistant Professor: $99,945 to $120,099; Associate Professor: $120,099 to $140,253.

This position comes with 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.

Interested candidates must submit, via email, a single PDF file containing a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, brief statements of research interests (2-pg max) and teaching philosophy (1-pg max) and any supporting documents to:

Dr. Christian Willenborg

c/o Kendra Panko
51 Campus Drive
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8
Telephone: (306) 966-8354
Email: [email protected]

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 March 20, 2024; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2024.

Status: Continuing Status
Employment Group: USFA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Posted Date: 2/7/2024
Closing Date: Until Filled