Research Positions

Primary Purpose: The Pea, Chickpea, Bean, and Soybean breeding programs at the Crop Development Centre, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan requires a Field Research Technician who will work as part of a team to support development of improved pulse crop varieties and pulse crop research.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the breeders the candidate will be involved in all aspects of the Pea, Chickpea, Bean and Soybean breeding programs.  Travel to off-station sites and overtime including early mornings, evenings and weekends will be required at certain times of the year particularly during planting, spraying and harvesting.   Work with agricultural pesticides will be required.  Must be able to lift up to 25kg.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Duties will include seeding, pesticide application, plot swathing, combine harvesting, pathway spraying,  seed storage maintenance,  and other duties as required.  The successful candidate must be willing to work outdoors, work flexible hours during planting, spraying and harvesting, and be willing to travel outside of the Saskatoon area.  The successful candidate will be expected to supervise junior staff members.

Education: A degree or diploma in agriculture or a related field of study.  

Licenses: Candidates must hold a valid class 5 driver’s license.  Candidates should have or be willing to obtain WHMIS, First Aid, CPR training and G (heavy trailer) driver’s license endorsement.  

Experience: Experience in field-based crop research, operating small plot equipment such as tractors and combines, pesticide application, application timing and crop scouting required. 

Skills: Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English.  Must be able to drive a truck and trailer.  Proficiency with common business computer programs will be an asset.  Experience with data management and analysis will be an asset.  This position requires a motivated, reliable and well-organized person able to work in a multi-disciplinary group environment. 

 

Department: Plant Sciences
Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $27.18 - 43.96 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 6
Posted Date: 7/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/13/2026
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

Primary Purpose: The Barley & Oat Breeding Program at the University of Saskatchewan (USASK), Crop Development Centre (CDC) is seeking a motivated and reliable research technician.   

Nature of Work: The successful applicant will participate primarily in grain quality analysis of barley and oat samples in a lab setting (typically September – May) to provide data in a timely manner that supports the breeding program objectives. The candidate will also assist with activities related to the field breeding program including outdoor field data collection, harvest and greenhouse work (typically June – August). All work will be conducted in a team environment in collaboration with other research technicians and under the supervision of senior technicians.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Lab duties will involve repetitive work related to grinding grain samples, wet chemistry analyses and operation/maintenance of various equipment such as NIRS, Gallery Analyzer, ANKOM TDF Analyzer and Rapid Visco Analyzer. Field breeding program duties include data collection (e.g. plant maturity and height), harvest and greenhouse work (crossing, watering, potting). Entry, organization and quality control of data required.

Qualifications

Education: A post-secondary diploma or undergraduate degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, agriculture or a related discipline is required. Those with a Ph.D. would be overqualified for this position and will thus not be considered.

Experience:

  • A minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience in an analytical or research lab.
  • Experience in various lab activities like extractions, colorimetric/kit assays, operation and maintenance of equipment.
  • Experience handling large sets of data.
  • Experience working in field or greenhouse environments will be considered an asset.
  • A valid class 5 driver’s license will be considered an asset.

Skills:

  • Ability to identify and trouble shoot problems related to analytical methods, equipment operation or data entry.
  • Ability to multi-task, manage time efficiently and maintain accurate records.
  • Proficiency with lab equipment and related software is essential.
  • Work independently in a multi-disciplinary, group environment.
  • Perform physical work in an outdoor field or greenhouse environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills in English.

To Apply: Application should be a single PDF-file. Applications should include resume and two references from individuals familiar with the applicant’s experience. No telephone calls please. We thank all applicants in advance, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

Department: College of Agric&Biores-DnOffc
Status: Term, 1.5 years (maternity fill) with strong possibility of extension 
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $42,824.60 - 68,515.20 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 5
Posted Date: 7/15/2026
Closing Date: 8/25/2026
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
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 the 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 provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.