Bioinformatics Research Assistant, Plant Sciences

Primary Purpose: The Pulse Pathology Program at the Crop Development Centre, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan requires a Research Assistant who will work as part of a team to support bioinformatics in lentils.

Nature of Work: Under the supervision of the principal investigator, the research assistant will work with a multidisciplinary team to support bioinformatic activities that will include alignment of long-read sequencing data to the lentil reference genome, structural variant calling, filtering and assessing the output. The successful candidate will also participate in designing Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers to support marker-assisted selection in lentils.

Qualifications: must have a BSc in biology or related discipline with a MSc and/or knowledge and experience in computer sciences. Successful candidates should have a good working knowledge of a command-line Linux environment and have basic knowledge of shell scripting. Basic programming ability in any mainstream interpreted language (perl, python preferred) is a requirement. Knowledge of basic bioinformatic topics and genetics is also essential.

Licenses: Candidates should have or be willing to obtain WHMIS, First Aid and CPR training.

Skills: Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English and high level of attention to detail. This position requires a motivated, reliable and well-organized person able to work in a multi-disciplinary group environment.

Applicants: send their resume or CV to sabine.banniza@usask.ca by May 31, 2026 .

The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. 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 in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request.

Department: Plant Sciences
Status: Term 1 year

Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $27.18 - 38.06 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 6

Posted Date: 5/1/2026

Closing Date: 5/28/2026

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 usfor assistance.