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.
Nature of Work:
The Postdoctoral Fellow will primarily be responsible for conducting research under the ADF program, focusing on evaluating the efficacy of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) technology for pathogen decontamination and enhancing seed germination in crops. Additional responsibilities include presenting research findings, preparing scientific manuscripts, collaborating with colleagues, maintaining clean and organized laboratory spaces, assisting with laboratory procedures and data analysis, and contributing to the organization of meetings and presentations for research project discussions.
Typical Duties or Accountabilities:
- 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.
Qualifications
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 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).