This position has an initial appointment until December 31, 2028.
Location - This role is in-person primarily at North Campus, Edmonton and various sites in Edmonton.
Position Summary
This position offers an exciting opportunity for an individual with strong expertise in plant pathology, molecular biology, quantitative genetics, and statistical analysis to contribute to cutting-edge research on economically important diseases affecting field crops in the Canadian Prairies, including canola, soybean, and pulse crops. The successful candidate will be engaged in an integrative research program that combines field, greenhouse, and laboratory approaches to advance our understanding of pathogen biology, host–pathogen interactions, and the environmental drivers of soilborne and vascular diseases. A key focus of the role is the development of practical, science-based disease management strategies that directly support sustainable agricultural production.
The incumbent will play a central role in designing, coordinating, and executing diverse research activities, ranging from large-scale field experiments and greenhouse pathogenicity assays to pathogen isolation, identification, and advanced molecular and genomic analyses. The position also involves robust quantitative data analysis using modern statistical tools such as R, ensuring high-quality interpretation and dissemination of research findings. In addition, the role supports collaborative initiatives between the University of Alberta and industry partners, including the evaluation of seed treatments, resistance screening programs, and innovative disease management technologies across multiple crops and pathogen systems.
Within the Plant Pathology research program, the successful candidate will provide technical leadership and continuity across ongoing projects, while actively mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate trainees in experimental design, laboratory techniques, and data analysis. The role also includes responsibility for managing research resources, coordinating procurement of materials, and ensuring adherence to laboratory safety and regulatory standards. Through these integrated activities, the position contributes to advancing fundamental and applied knowledge of crop diseases, strengthening industry–academic partnerships, and supporting resilient and sustainable crop production systems in Canada.
The Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences is a leader in teaching, research, and community engagement across diverse fields including food systems, sustainable resource management, human ecology, and environmental sociology. With more than 500 faculty and staff, over 1,500 undergraduates, and 600 graduate students, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences leverages 25,000 acres of research land across Alberta to deliver high-impact academic programs and applied research in partnership with industry and communities.
Research Design and Project Development
-
Plan & Coordinate: Support research projects on economically vital field crops (canola, soybean, pulse crops).
-
Experimental Design: Formulate field, greenhouse, and lab experiments targeting pathogen biology, host interactions, and disease epidemiology.
-
Methodology & Funding: Refine experimental workflows and contribute directly to competitive grant applications and project proposals.
Field, Greenhouse, and Laboratory Research
-
Trials & Assays: Coordinate large-scale field trials (crop management, disease assessment) and lead greenhouse pathogenicity assays.
-
Pathogen Characterization: Isolate, identify, and maintain pathogen cultures using classical and molecular techniques.
-
Molecular Analysis: Conduct genomic and transcriptomic studies, including DNA/RNA extraction and PCR assays.
Data Analysis and Scientific Reporting
-
Biostatistics: Manage experimental datasets and execute statistical modeling using R.
-
Workflows: Develop data pipelines to ensure high quality, reproducibility, and rigorous management across projects.
-
Dissemination: Interpret results to frame disease management recommendations and co-author scientific manuscripts and technical reports.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
-
Technology Evaluation: Design and execute trials for seed treatments, genetic resistance, and crop protection tech.
-
Knowledge Transfer: Communicate findings to industry partners, stakeholders, and funding bodies via meetings and conferences.
Mentorship and Research Training
-
Technical Leadership: Guide and mentor graduate students, undergraduates, and postdoctoral fellows.
-
Skill Development: Train team members in experimental design, field methodologies, and data analysis to foster a collaborative culture.
Laboratory and Research Infrastructure Management
-
Operations & Safety: Maintain laboratory and greenhouse facilities while ensuring strict compliance with safety regulations and routine inspections.
-
Resource Coordination: Manage procurement, maintain long-term pathogen collections, and organize research databases.
-
Ph.D. in Plant Science, Plant Pathology, or a closely related discipline.
-
Minimum of three years of postdoctoral research experience in plant pathology, with emphasis on diseases of major field crops in the Canadian Prairies.
-
Extensive knowledge of soilborne and vascular diseases affecting canola, cereals, soybean, and pulse crops, including pathogen biology, disease epidemiology, and host–pathogen interactions.
-
Demonstrated expertise in research on Verticillium stripe of canola caused by Verticillium longisporum, including pathogen isolation and characterization, pathogenicity testing, and host resistance evaluation under Prairie conditions.
-
Experience conducting pathogen surveys, disease diagnostics, resistance screening, and integrated disease management research for economically important crop diseases in western Canada.
-
Expertise in the biology and epidemiology of soilborne pathogens, including inoculum production, microsclerotia development, germination, and environmental influences on disease development.
-
Experience investigating the interactions between abiotic stresses, including drought and salinity, and plant disease development in greenhouse and controlled-environment studies.
-
Proficiency in molecular, genomic, and microbiological techniques used in plant pathology research, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR-based diagnostics, pathogen identification, and transcriptomic analyses.
-
Advanced skills in experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and statistical modeling using specialized software, including R.
-
Demonstrated ability to design, coordinate, and manage complex research projects across field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments.
-
Experience collaborating with industry partners and multidisciplinary research teams on applied crop protection and disease management initiatives.
-
Strong record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
-
Proven ability to mentor and train graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate trainees in experimental methodologies, laboratory techniques, and data analysis.
-
Demonstrated ability to contribute to the preparation and development of competitive research grant proposals and funded research projects.
-
Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $63,465 - $79,339.
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
