Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering

at  University of Saskatchewan

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW, DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING

Dr. Oon-Doo Baik and his collaborators are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join an innovative research project. The project focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) technology for pathogen decontamination and enhancing seed germination in crops. Key objectives include the design and fabrication of ACP equipment, pathogen eradication, germination improvement, bioinoculant application, and the development of protocols for large-scale application.
This 3-year position, funded by the ADF Program (2025–2028), is contingent on satisfactory performance during the probation period.

EDUCATION:

A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Microbiology, Plant Science, or a related discipline is required, preferably with experience in cold plasma technology, seed germination, and microbial analysis. Candidates nearing completion of their PhD will also be considered, provided they can demonstrate a clear timeline for finishing their degree.

EXPERIENCE:

The successful candidate has experience in:

• Demonstrated experience in conducting cold plasma experiments, microbial inoculation and analysis, bioinoculant application, chemical and instrumental analysis, and germination testing.
• Performing appropriate statistical analyses on experimental data.
• Publishing research results in reputable peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Safe laboratory procedures.

SKILLS:

• Demonstrated ability to use statistical software and the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to create and foster relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and education levels.
• Demonstrated ability to present research results to farmer and/or industry audiences.
  To Apply: Applications will be accepted online only at careers.usask.ca and must include a cover letter, a statement addressing qualifications, and a resume, all submitted as a single PDF document. The statement must specifically address the qualifications outlined in the sections above on education, experience, and skills.
  Review of applications will start on February 1, 2025, and continue until a suitable candidate is found.
  Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Dr. Oon-Doo Baik (oon-doo.baik@usask.ca).
  Department: Chemical & Biological Engineering
  Status: Term
  Employment Group: Post-Doctoral Fellows - PSAC
  Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
  Salary Information: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
  Posted Date: 1/10/2025
  Closing Date: 2/21/2025
  Number of Openings: 1
  Work Location: On Campus
  The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, 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. 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 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’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

• Design and build up a small-scale atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) unit for treating crop seeds.
• Determine the optimum conditions for the application of ACP technology for germination improvement in crop seeds.
• Investigate the effectiveness of ACP technology in the elimination of pathogens in crop seeds.
• Determine the efficacy of ACP decontamination on bioinoculant-treated seed germination and plant growth.
• Conduct an economic analysis for the application of ACP technology in large-scale seed processing.
• Other duties as assigned.