Fully Funded PhD Position in Food Microbiology at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada (January 2027 Intake)

Overview

The Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Canada is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD Graduate Research Assistantship beginning in January 2027. The opportunity is offered in Dr. Yuan Fang’s Food Microbiology Laboratory, where students will conduct cutting-edge research on food safety, bacterial genomics, antimicrobial resistance, and microbial evolution.

The selected candidate will receive full financial support for up to four years, with additional opportunities to compete for prestigious scholarships such as the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards and other university funding programs.

About the Research Lab

Dr. Yuan Fang’s laboratory focuses on understanding microorganisms that affect food safety and food quality through advanced molecular and genomic approaches.

Current research projects include:

• Food microbiology
• Phenotype-to-genotype characterization of microorganisms
• Foodborne pathogen stress responses
• Phage–bacteria interactions
• Bacterial genomics
• Functional genomics
• Molecular genetics
• Microbial evolution
• Antimicrobial resistance
• Precision food safety and microbial ecology

The lab combines population genomics, molecular biology, microbial physiology, and functional genomics to develop innovative strategies for improving food safety systems.

Funding

The advertised position includes:

• Fully funded PhD support for up to 4 years
• Research assistantship funding
• Opportunity to compete for:
  
  • Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards
  • Additional graduate scholarships
  • University research awards

The University of Saskatchewan also guarantees minimum funding levels for doctoral students in thesis-based programs, with eligible students able to receive additional scholarships and employment income.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should have:

• MSc in Food Microbiology or a closely related discipline
• Strong background in:
  
  • Food microbiology
  • Molecular microbiology
  • Bacterial genomics
• Hands-on experience with:
  
  • Basic molecular cloning
  • Advanced cloning techniques
• Experience handling large genomic datasets or bioinformatics
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Meet USask graduate admission requirements
• Meet English language proficiency requirements for international applicants

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for graduates interested in careers involving:

• Food Safety
• Foodborne Pathogens
• Microbial Genomics
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Bacterial Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Functional Genomics
• Food Biotechnology
• Applied Microbiology

Application Process

Interested candidates should email their application directly to:

Email: [email protected]

Email Subject

2027_PhD_YourName

Required Documents (in this order)

1. Cover Letter explaining how you meet the qualifications
2. Academic Transcripts
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
4. Names and contact information of two referees

Selection Timeline

• Application Review Begins: September 2026
• Program Start: January 2027

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About the University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. Its Applied Microbiology graduate program offers research in agriculture, biotechnology, food safety, microbial biotechnology, environmental microbiology, and industrial microbiology. Students benefit from modern laboratories, interdisciplinary research, and strong industry collaborations. PhD students are typically funded through supervisor research grants and may compete for additional scholarships.