Assistant Professor and Chair in Soil Nutrient Management at University of Saskatchewan, Canada (2026)

University of Saskatchewan is inviting applications for a prestigious Assistant Professor and Chair position in the Strategic Research Program (SRP) in Soil Nutrient Management within the Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

This is a major opportunity for researchers working in:

  • soil science,
  • agronomy,
  • climate-smart agriculture,
  • nutrient management,
  • sustainable agriculture,
  • and environmental sustainability.

The position combines advanced research, graduate mentorship, industry collaboration, and academic leadership.

About the Position

The successful candidate will join the Department of Soil Science and lead research connected to:

  • soil nutrient management,
  • sustainable crop production,
  • climate change mitigation,
  • and environmental protection.

The role is supported through the:

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program (SRP)

which focuses on creating innovative agricultural solutions for producers in Saskatchewan and beyond.

Position Details

FeatureDetails
PositionAssistant Professor and Chair
Research Area    Soil Nutrient Management
Institution    University of Saskatchewan
Department    Soil Science
Location       Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Position Type    Full-Time
Appointment Type    Continuing Status (Tenure-Track Equivalent)
Salary    CAD $113,527 – $135,535
Application Review Begins    31 August 2026
Expected Start Date    15 March 2027

Research Focus

The position focuses on climate-smart soil nutrient management with the goal of improving:

  • agricultural productivity,
  • soil quality,
  • nutrient efficiency,
  • and environmental sustainability.

The research program specifically supports:

  • profitable crop production,
  • greenhouse gas reduction,
  • sustainable land management,
  • and food security.

Major Research Areas

The successful candidate will conduct research related to:

  • Soil nutrient management
  • Fertilizers and soil amendments
  • Biological agricultural inputs
  • Nutrient-use efficiency
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Nitrous oxide emission reduction
  • Climate-smart agriculture
  • Sustainable cropping systems

The university strongly encourages:

  • field-based agricultural research,
  • producer-focused studies,
  • and applied environmental solutions.

Climate Change and Agriculture

A major theme of this position is climate change mitigation in agriculture.

Agricultural soils can play a critical role in:

  • carbon storage,
  • greenhouse gas reduction,
  • and resilient food systems.

The selected researcher will help develop strategies that balance:

  • productivity,
  • environmental protection,
  • and economic sustainability for farmers.
Teaching and Mentorship

Although research is the main priority, the successful candidate will also:

  • teach undergraduate and graduate courses,
  • supervise MSc and PhD students,
  • mentor postdoctoral researchers,
  • and contribute to academic program development.

Teaching responsibilities will account for less than 10% of the workload.

Research Infrastructure and Collaboration

The candidate will gain access to:

  • the BMO Soil Analytical Lab,
  • the Stable Isotope Lab,
  • and advanced analytical instrumentation.

The role also includes collaboration opportunities with:

  • Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada,
  • Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS),
  • engineering and computer science departments,
  • and digital agriculture researchers.

Industry and Community Engagement

This role requires strong collaboration with:

  • agricultural producers,
  • Indigenous communities,
  • government agencies,
  • non-profit organizations,
  • and industry stakeholders.

The university values researchers who can translate science into:

  • real-world agricultural solutions,
  • sustainable practices,
  • and policy-relevant outcomes.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have: 

  • A PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline
  • Strong research experience
  • Ability to conduct complex scientific projects

Experience in teaching, field research, and agricultural sustainability will be considered an advantage.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers CAD $113,527 – $135,535 annually along with a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • health insurance,
  • dental care,
  • pension plan,
  • professional development support,
  • wellness programs,
  • travel insurance,
  • and long-term disability coverage.

About the University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities and hosts:

  • more than 26,000 students,
  • advanced research institutes,
  • and strong agricultural science programs.

The university is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis.

Why This Opportunity Is Important

Global agriculture faces increasing pressure from:

  • climate change,
  • soil degradation,
  • greenhouse gas emissions,
  • and food security challenges.

This position directly addresses these global priorities through:

  • sustainable nutrient management,
  • climate-smart farming,
  • and applied agricultural innovation.

Researchers working in soil ecology, environmental agriculture, climate adaptation, and sustainable land management will find this role highly valuable.

Career Advantages

This opportunity offers:

  • long-term academic stability,
  • major research leadership potential,
  • international collaboration,
  • and strong funding support.

Because agriculture and climate resilience are becoming central global research priorities, expertise in soil nutrient management is increasingly in demand worldwide.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

  • Cover Letter
  • Detailed CV
  • Research Philosophy Statement
  • Teaching Philosophy Statement
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
  • Contact Information for Three Referees

Official Information

Applications should be sent via email to: soil.science@usask.ca

More details about the department and faculty are available at: University of Saskatchewan – College of Agriculture and Bioresources

Final Thoughts

This Assistant Professor and Chair position at the University of Saskatchewan is an outstanding opportunity for researchers interested in:

  • soil science,
  • agronomy,
  • climate-smart agriculture,
  • and sustainable food systems.

Candidates with strong interdisciplinary research skills and a vision for sustainable agricultural innovation will be especially competitive.

With growing global emphasis on climate resilience and food security, this position provides excellent long-term research and academic career potential.


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