Resilience of Cropping Systems and Soil Health in Western Canada (2 PhD Graduate Student Positions Available)
Timeline for applications: until filled
Desirable timelines for beginning the program: January 2024 or May 2024
Overall research summary: A large collaborative cropping system research project was established in 2018 to evaluate crop rotation philosophies for resiliency and soil health through a systems approach. This is a collaboration between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the University of Alberta, University of Saskatchewan, and seven experimental sites in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. This research is funded through Integrated Crop Agronomy Cluster phase II (2023-2028) as part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership program. This 10-yr crop rotation study is a continuation of the ongoing crop rotations, including diversified, canola or pulse crop intensified, high risk, market driven, and soil health enhanced cropping systems, in addition to a control cropping system. Successful candidates will have the great opportunity to work with a diverse group of researchers across scientific disciplines at several prestigious institutions.
Research projects: Two PhD research projects are available to investigate contrasting cropping systems across major Canadian Prairie ecosites to determine impacts on agroecosystem resiliency and soil health. The overarching objective of these projects is to determine the best (more productive, sustainable, resilient, regenerative) cropping systems.
A guaranteed minimum stipend of $28,000 – $30,000 for four years will be provided. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for the many graduate scholarships available.
Requirements: Candidates must have a MSc degree with a minimum GPA of 3.3/4.0, or complete its requirements before admission, in agronomy, soil science, crop science, plant science, agroecology, or other related disciplines. Candidates must show willingness and availability to work outdoors in agricultural settings. A valid driver license and clean driving record/abstract are necessary, as travel to various field sites will be necessary during the growing season. Extended hours and/or overnight may be also necessary occasionally for timely completion of fieldwork or extension activities. In addition, lifting up to 30 lbs may be required.
For more information including details on the research projects and how to apply, please download the complete posting PDF.
McGill Tenure-Track Faculty Position
Open to rank of Assistant Professor in Weed Biology and Integrated Weed Management
Faculty: Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Department/School: Plant Science
Position Description: The Department of Plant Science of McGill University’s Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
invites applications for a tenure track position at the level of Assistant Professor, in the area of weed biology
and integrated weed management. McGill’s Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is located on the Macdonald Campus, 30 km
from the city of Montreal, where there is a concentration of life sciences and biotechnology companies. The Campus comprises 650 hectares of farm and forested lands, experimental field stations and state-of-the-art student learning facilities (library and computer laboratories). Additional information concerning McGill, its Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Plant Science can be found on their respective web sites (www.mcgill.ca,www.mcgill.ca/macdonald, www.mcgill.ca/plant).
Job Duties: The successful candidate is expected to develop a research program with an emphasis on understanding weed biology/ecology in order to develop integrated weed management systems for agronomic and/or horticultural crops. The research program should address how to reduce weed pressure while reducing environmental harms and include state of the art technologies in weed management. The incumbent will be responsible for teaching the courses “Pesticides in Agriculture” and “Weed Biology and Control”, which are core courses in the Faculty’s undergraduate program, as well as in graduate courses within her/his area of research expertise. Participation in Departmental, Faculty, and University committees and with provincial, national and international organizations is expected.
For more information, including qualification requirements and how to apply, please download the posting PDF in English or French.
Lecturer, Department of Plant Sciences
The Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan
The Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) invites applications for a full time, five-year term Lecturer position. The successful candidate will have responsibility for teaching both on-campus and online courses as assigned by the Department Head. This includes all aspects of coordinating and facilitating courses and the development of course content, as well as laboratory instruction where appropriate. The candidate is expected to teach up to 21 credit units annually, as assigned by the Department Head, primarily in horticultural sciences. This includes the delivery of new and existing courses, and potentially the development and delivery of non-credit/micro-credential courses. These courses are part of a suite of courses taught by three faculty members in horticultural
sciences.
The horticulture major is an applied major that prepares students for work in various areas of fruit, ornamental, and vegetable production. The major is popular among students and enrolment has been increasing in recent years. Students in horticulture tackle complex issues such as urban food security in Canada, which is particularly important for Indigenous and Métis communities. On-reserve traditional food access, food sovereignty, food security and health are also on-going issues. The University of Saskatchewan can provide leadership offering early, practical entry points to urban food production for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike. Students in horticulture also study issues such as mitigating climate change, increasing carbon capture and sustainably improving environmental health, which are increasingly critical issues which can be addressed through urban greening. The full-time position of Lecturer has been created to contribute to a well-rounded education for horticulture science students as well as other students enrolled in these classes.
Salary bands for this position for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows: Lecturer position: $83,150 to $123,458. 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.
For more information, including qualifications & how to apply, please download the posting PDF.
Resilience of Cropping Systems in Western Canada – PhD Graduate Student Position
University of Saskatchewan
A PhD graduate student position available.
Highly qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for this PhD position.
Timeline for applications: until filled. Review of applications will start October 10th 2023.
Desirable timelines for beginning the program: January 2024 or May 2024
Project summary: This research project will be evaluating contrasting cropping systems across major Canadian Prairie ecosites to determine impacts on agroecosystem resiliency and soil health. The objective of the project encompasses the determination of the best (more productive, sustainable, resilient, regenerative) cropping systems in each of the ecozones within the Canadian Prairie using a wide array of system indicators such as productivity, resource use efficiency, soil health, diseases, weeds, carbon footprint, economic returns, and resilience. This project is funded through the integrated crop agronomy cluster phase II (2023-2028). The research activities are an extension of the ongoing crop rotation initiative that started in 2018 at seven sites of Canadian Prairies through the integrated crop agronomy cluster phase I. The study cropping systems consist of diversified, canola or pulse crop intensified, high risk, market driven, and soil health enhanced cropping systems, in addition to a control cropping system. The primary objective of this Ph.D. project is to quantify the resilience of cropping systems through 10-year crop rotation study at multiple sites. In addition, greenhouse trials may be required to assess crop resilience to biotic and abiotic stress. This is a collaborative project between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the University of Saskatchewan, and seven experimental sites in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Support and guidance in developing an impactful research project will be provided by the WGRF Research Chair in Integrated Agronomy Dr. Maryse Bourgault at the University of Saskatchewan and Dr. Kui Liu at AAFC Swift Current. Knowledge and interest in cropping systems modeling and resilience assessment of agroecosystems are valuable assets.
The successful candidate will complete coursework requirements at the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon, as part of the degree program. Travel to experimental sites during the growing seasons, and relocation to Swift Current Research and Development Centre (AAFC) for the final year of the degree, tentatively, are expected. The successful candidate will have the great opportunity to work with a diverse group of researchers across scientific disciplines at both prestigious institutions.
A guaranteed stipend of $25,000 – $28,000 for four years will be provided, and students are encouraged to apply for the many scholarships available.
For more information, including how to apply, please download the posting PDF.
PhD Position: Abiotic stress resistance breeding in pea
The crop physiology research group of Dr Rosalind Bueckert in the Department of Plant
Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan invites applications for a highly motivated
prospective Ph.D. student to undertake research in the areas of abiotic stress (heat and
drought) resistance in pea. The project will entail the evaluation and validation of the
existing Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers in a genetically diverse set of 80
pea accessions. These accessions will be phenotyped for key heat associated traits in field
trials over multiple seasons and locations. Phenotypic data and previously generated
genotypic data (90K SNP array) will be used to develop marker-trait associations and
identify the best molecular markers for future breeding (marker assisted selection)
applications. The prospective student will learn and develop various skills in molecular
biology and genetics, along with field phenotyping and statistical data analyses.
Stipend: $30,000/year (PhD)
Start Date: May or September 2024
Qualifications (Skills and Abilities)
Applicants must have completed a thesis-based M.Sc. degree in relevant fields (e.g.
Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Plant Physiology). Previous experience in plant
phenotyping and field-based trials would be beneficial but not required. All
candidates should demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills,
demonstrated ability to create and foster relationships with people of diverse
backgrounds and education levels, and able to work both independently as well as in a
team setting.
While preference will be given to applicants available to start in May, non-Canadian
applicants must be eligible to study in Canada. Candidates whose first language is not
English and whose degrees are not from a university that instructs in English must
provide a certificate of English proficiency (TOEFL of 86 or more with 19 or more in each
category, or IELTS of 6.5 or more in each category). Applications will be considered until
the position is filled.
For more information, including how to apply, please download the posting PDF.
University of Alberta, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL, FOOD AND NURTIONAL SCIENCE
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURAL, LIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
PHD POSITION IN PLANT-SOIL MICROBIOLOGY, Plant-Microbe Lab
Project Description: A PhD position is available in the Plant-Microbe Lab under the supervision of Dr. Malinda
Thilakarathna at the University of Alberta. Our current research program is focused on beneficial microorganisms,
soil amendments, biotic and abiotic factors on field crop production and soil health.
Key Responsibilities:
The candidate will be part of a collaborative research group and have the opportunity to work with a
multidisciplinary research team. The candidate is expected to work both independently and as part of a large
research team. Current projects examine plant-microbial interactions, soil health, and soil microbiome.\
Key Qualifications:
We are seeking a candidate with:
• MSc in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology
• Experience in soil/plant microbiome (essential)
• Experience with processing next-generation sequencing data
• Experience in wet-lab molecular biology (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, etc.)
• Experience with using R programming for statistical analyses
• Enthusiastic to learn bioinformatics
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills with a track record of peer-reviewed publications
Salary and Appointment: CAD $27,000 per year.
For more information, including how to apply, please download the posting PDF.
Research Assistant – Cropping Systems (Agronomy)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Science and Technology Branch
Morden (Manitoba)
EG-05 $77,169 to $97,013
Duties
The successful candidate will participate in a research team studying environmentally sound and best management of field crops, to mitigate impact of climate change. He/she will interact with researchers, technicians and students from various AAFC research and development centers, and Universities and extension personnel from provincial governments and industry. The successful candidate will plan, coordinate, conduct field and laboratory work to collect data for research projects; in the context of agricultural cropping systems, assess various soil and water conservation measures in agricultural fields and their impacts on crop productivity and ecosystem health; investigate the effect of new agronomic practices and alternative crops. The successful candidate will be responsible for:
1) running the activities of the cropping system program by streamlining field experimental setup, plant and soil sampling, ordering supplies and equipment, calibrating and maintaining equipment, developing, applying and updating analysis methods and protocols;
2) operating field equipment, specialized instruments, analytical equipment, imaging systems and sensor technology;
3) contribute to the design of research experiments, developing project plans and developing methodologies/tools of field, greenhouse and laboratory experiments;
4) compiling, organizing and maintaining lab analyses, field monitoring and project related databases, conducting basic statistical analysis, and assisting in preparation of scientific reports and presentations;
5) allocating work to students and junior technicians and
6) other related activities.
Work Environment
This position will report to the Research Scientist- Integrated Crop Production Systems Agronomist at the Morden Research and Development Centre. The incumbent will provide technical support for field and laboratory research to be conducted at Morden research Centre and in grower fields located across Manitoba. Travel to field sites will be required. The position could involve the supervision of junior research technician, summer students and short-term technical and field support staff.
Essential Qualifications
Education:
- Graduation from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in agronomy, soil science, plant science, plant pathology, environmental science, natural resources, horticulture, biology, or a related discipline, or an acceptable combination of education, training and experience.
If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).
Experience:
- Experience in contributing to the design of research experiments, developing projects plans and developing methodologies/tools of field and laboratory experiments.
- Experience providing technical support and leading projects or activities related to seeding, soil fertility, and weed and disease management.
- Experience in the implementation of goals and allocating work within and across two or more projects.
- Experience in drafting, writing, or assisting in the preparation of reports or manuscripts or poster presentations.
For more information, including how to apply, please visit the Government of Canada Job Posting page.
Research Chair In Lentil And Faba Bean Breeding
The Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan
The Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) invites applications for a Chair in lentil and faba bean breeding. This is a continuing status (tenure-track) position at the Assistant Professor level in plant breeding and crop genetics, and which will be housed within the Crop Development Centre (CDC). The successful candidate will assume a well-established and productive breeding program that to date has released 40 lentil and 5 faba bean varieties. The primary focus of the position will be on lentil breeding, and secondarily on faba bean breeding. The plant breeder will develop and release improved varieties to serve the needs of western Canadian agriculture and perform related outreach duties as required. It is expected that the successful candidate will integrate conventional and modern breeding tools and technologies to develop innovative approaches to achieving the goals of the program, including establishing a competitive and extramurally funded research program. Some of the research conducted should be eligible for Government of Canada Tri-Council funding. Collaboration with local, national, and international programs and stakeholders is expected. Research should complement the breeding program with studies in related disciplines, which could include genomics, phenomics, agronomy, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and seed quality, with the findings published in leading peer-reviewed journals. The appointee will also teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate level in the Department of Plant Sciences and will be required to supervise M.Sc. and Ph.D. students and mentor post-graduate fellows.
Salary bands for this position for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows: Assistant Professor: $99,945 to $120,101. 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires a Ph.D. in plant breeding and genetics, or a closely related discipline, and a demonstrated understanding of plant breeding and crop improvement. The candidate must have excellent communication skills and show potential to participate in outreach activities aimed at lentil and faba bean producers. Expected outreach activities could include engagement with producers, industry and government, participation on industry committees and advisory boards, and participation in technology transfer and variety commercialization. At least one year of 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 possess a high level of collegiality and professionalism both within the department and beyond. The position will require the candidate to work independently, but also 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.
For more information, including how to apply, please download the posting PDF.
Position Title / Rank: Assistant Professor, Grain Farmers of Ontario Professorship in Field Crop Pathology
Department: Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph
Position Description:
The Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level for the Grain Farmers of Ontario Professorship in Field Crop Pathology. This position is located at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus, located in the municipality of Chatham-Kent, 200 km southwest of the University’s main campus in Guelph.
Position Requirements
• A PhD in Plant Pathology or a closely related field
• Strong research background in plant pathology
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to develop presentations for diverse audiences (e.g., diploma
students, graduate students, industry stakeholders, producers)
• Ability to collaborate and engage with industry and growers to develop practical solutions
• Potential to excel at teaching at the diploma level in field crop pathology as well as in other related disciplines at the
diploma, undergraduate, or graduate levels
• Ability to incorporate relevant, practical on-farm experience into teaching methods
The holder of the Grain Farmers of Ontario Professorship in Field Crop Pathology will develop a cutting-edge research program with a focus on addressing commercially-relevant problems in Field crops in Ontario, including corn, soybean, wheat, and other small grains. They will join a world-class team of faculty members in the Department of Plant Agriculture conducting research in sustainable cropping practices. The current faculty includes three other plant pathologists, as well as others working in the areas of plant breeding and genetics, weed science, crop physiology, post-harvest physiology, agronomy, and plant-based bioproducts.
For more information, including how to apply, please download the posting PDF or visit the University of Guelph Faculty Recruitment website.
Position Title / Rank: Assistant Professor in Bean Breeding and Computational Biology
Department: Plant Agriculture
Position Description:
The Department of Plant Agriculture, Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Plant Breeding, at the Assistant Professor level. This position is located at the Guelph campus and requires a PhD in Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, or closely related field.
The successful candidate will demonstrate teaching excellence in plant genetics and plant breeding, including quantitative genetics and genomics, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. They will supervise MSc and PhD students in their thesis research, and also contribute to instruction in a course-based Masters program in Plant Agriculture. The chosen candidate will manage an existing, successful breeding program developing commercially viable edible bean cultivars adapted to the Ontario production environment, and will develop and lead a comprehensive, externally funded research program.
The successful candidate will join a world-class, collaborative faculty in the Department of Plant Agriculture, with members conducting cutting-edge research in the disciplines of plant breeding and genetics, weed science, plant pathology, soil science, agronomy, plant physiology, plant conservation, and plant-based bioproducts. Salary is negotiable and commensurate with qualifications. The department will provide competitive research start-up funds; other research support and subsidized access to research facilities is available through the Research Alliance Agreement between the University of Guelph and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
For more information, including how to apply, please download the posting PDF or visit the University of Guelph Faculty Recruitment website.
Research and Extension Intern LUARS
Lakehead University, Thunder Bay
Full-Time, Contract (12 months)
Anticipated Start Date: April 1, 2023
Competition #GEN-23-01
Who is eligible? Unemployed or underemployed youth (under the age of 30) who have graduated with a degree or diploma in agriculture or a related field from a post-secondary institution within the last three years, are legally entitled to work in Canada (Canadian citizens or immigrants or persons with a valid work permit), and have not been previously employed under a FedNor Youth Internship funding agreement, or other federal or provincial internship with pay for a period of six (6) months or more. An MSc may be preferred. The position is for one year from the date of hiring. Candidates must have reliable transportation and a valid Driver’s Licence.
Successful candidates will have knowledge of Laying out experiments and seeding crops, Plot maintenance/crop care including application of fertilizers, plant growth regulators and pesticides, Small plots harvesting, Grain/seed cleaning, Data recording, entry, analysis and compilation of the Annual Research Report, minor purchases and general cleanliness and maintenance of lab and other buildings.
Salary including benefits: $44,000.00 for one year. Work week will be from Monday to Friday – 40 hours per week. This full-time position is partially funded by FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program.
Interested applicants may apply by clicking on this link to a Google Form and attaching your cover letter and resume in word or PDF format.
For more information, please see this posting on Lakehead University’s website
MSc Graduate Student
The Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Lab
School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability
University of Waterloo
The Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Lab in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo has an opening for a PhD student beginning September 2023. The successful applicant will have an opportunity to travel to international conferences to present their research.
For more information, please download the complete posting.
