12/24/2025
Postdoctoral researcher in haskap genotyping
Research Focus: The USask Fruit Program invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Anže Švara. The successful candidate will contribute to research focused on characterizing haskap (Lonicera caerulea) genetic resources maintained within the USask Fruit Program. The primary focus will be on genotyping genetically diverse accessions that exhibit distinct responses to specific growing conditions. This research will leverage advanced sequencing and bioinformatics analyses and will be conducted across field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings.
Nature of Work: A combination of field, greenhouse, laboratory, and computer-based activities.
Accountabilities: The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in advancing the research and breeding efforts of the USask Fruit Program. They will join a collaborative team of plant breeders and horticultural scientists, focusing on genetic research to support breeding initiatives. Key responsibilities include establishing plant experiments, sampling, conducting ploidy analysis, DNA extraction, sequencing data processing, developing association analysis pipelines, and implementing scalable workflows for high-throughput data analysis. The researcher will collaborate with stakeholders, disseminate results through scientific publications and public channels, and work closely with project partners, growers, industry representatives, and other collaborators. Additional duties include manuscript preparation, grant writing, reporting, assisting with lab activities, supervising junior members, and coordinating team efforts. We seek a motivated highly organized team player committed to fostering a supportive, diverse, equitable, inclusive, and collegial work environment.
Minimum qualifications and education: To meet the eligibility criteria and apply for this position consult the “Future graduate students” website of the University of Saskatchewan:
https://cgps.usask.ca/postdocs/appointment-info/future-postdocs.php
This is a two-year position (2026-2027) with a possibility of extension. The position requires a candidate who can begin work in the first half of 2026 and holds a PhD awarded no earlier than 2022, specializing in bioinformatics, plant genetics, or plant breeding. Candidates must demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills in English and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while meeting tight deadlines.
Preferred qualifications: Background in horticulture, plant genomics, large-scale data analysis, or programming skills is preferred. Demonstrated experience in population genetics using genome-wide genetic marker datasets, statistics, programming in R and command-line environments, and work in field, greenhouse, laboratory, and computational settings would be considered an asset. Possession of a valid Class 5 driver’s license is also an asset.
To apply: All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. The University of Saskatchewan is committed to the principles of employment equity. Members of designated groups (women, people with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and Aboriginal Peoples) are encouraged to apply.
Interested candidates should apply by email containing a brief cover letter (maximum 1 page), a CV including a list of publications with the applicants’ contributions, and contact information for two references, and academic transcripts:
Dr. Anže Svara
Email: [email protected]
Subject line: Postdoc USask haskap genotyping 2026
Appointment Process - College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies -
Extensions to an individual’s period of eligibility will be considered if the postdoctoral candidate has had their career interrupted by extenuating circumstances (e.g., parental leave, illness, health-related family responsibilities, mandatory military service, disruptions due to war, civil confl...
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