Description

Agri-Food Innovation Chair in Agricultural Microbiology and Bioproducts (Assistant Professor)

Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences

College of Agriculture and Bioresources

The Opportunity

The Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track appointment as an Endowed Agri-Food Innovation Chair in Agricultural Microbiology and Bioproducts at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful applicant will contribute to teaching and research in areas related to agri-food microbiology and/or biotechnology, supervise graduate students at the MSc and PhD levels, and lead an externally funded, scholarly research program.  The successful candidate will conduct cross-cutting research within a vibrant and research-intensive department and will be expected to collaborate effectively with researchers within and beyond the department. The candidate will also contribute/develop courses within our undergraduate and graduate programs based on a teacher-scholar model, undertake administrative duties, and participate in departmental and university collegial processes. Special consideration will be given to the following areas: a) food/precision/industrial fermentation; and b) applied microbiology.

The Candidate

This position requires a PhD in either Applied Microbiology, Food Biotechnology or Food Science (or a related field) with complementary experience in ONE of the following areas: food/precision/industrial fermentation and/or applied microbiology (utilization of microbial activities), along with a strong or emerging research program and an excellent academic record. Relevant post-doctoral research and demonstrated effective classroom teaching skills and mentorship experience would be an asset.  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to establish effective working relationships with faculty and stakeholders are essential.

The Department and University

The Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences is comprised of nine faculty members with research programs in the areas of food nutrigenomic, brewing, food/environmental microbiology, food nanotechnology and emulsion science, food enzymology, lipid biotechnology, microbial bioproducts, protein, lipid and starch quality/utilization, bioprocessing, and value-added crop utilization. A food/ingredient processing pilot plant, fermentation pilot plant, bioprocessing pilot plant, sensory laboratory, product development kitchen, teaching laboratories and access to a number of analytical suites is available within the Department to support both research and teaching.  The department has a strong tradition in research excellence with approximately 70 active graduate students and significant external research support.  We also have undergraduate programs in Food and Bioproduct Sciences, Food Science, Food and Nutrition, and Food Industry Management. Food and Bioproduct Sciences is a department within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. The university is home to the Canadian Light Source (CLS), a world-class synchrotron facility with 22 beam lines for basic and applied research.

 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 are committed to providing an exceptional learning experience and preparing graduates for leadership in the bioeconomy.

 The successful candidate will take a lead role in driving research important to Saskatchewan and Canada, with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and have access to facilities from across campus and the city including those from Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, National Research Council of Canada, and industry partners. 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.

 Salary bands for this position for the 2022-2023 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.

Interested candidates must submit, via email, a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, names of three references, teaching philosophy statement, summary of plans for research, along with any other supporting documents to:

Dr. Michael Nickerson, Acting Head and Search Committee Chair

Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences

51 Campus Drive
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8
Telephone: (306) 966-5030
Email: michael.nickerson@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 take place Oct. 1, 2023; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. The anticipated start date will be between Jan 1, 2024

The University believes equity, diversity and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. Women and other minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. 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.

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.