Postdoctoral Fellow in Cold Plasma Research

University of Saskatchewan • Saskatoon, SK

2d • CA$50,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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, multi-physics computer simulation, and the development of protocols for large-scale application. This 3-year position, funded by the NSERC Alliance Program (2026–2029), is available starting August 1, 2026, and is contingent on satisfactory performance during the probationary period. The Postdoctoral Fellow will primarily be responsible for conducting research under the NSERC Alliance 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.

Requirements

• A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Microbiology, Plant Science, or a related discipline is required. Candidates nearing completion of their PhD will also be considered, provided they can demonstrate a clear timeline for finishing their degree.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting computer simulations using commercial simulation packages (e.g., COMSOL multiphysics) and implementing machine/deep learning applications.
• Demonstrated ability to use statistical software and standard office productivity tools.
• Proven track record of publishing research results in reputable peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Thorough understanding of and adherence to safe laboratory procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in conducting cold plasma experiments, including the design and fabrication of plasma equipment.
• Experience in microbial inoculation, microbial analysis, and bioinoculant application.
• Experience in seed germination testing, plant growth observation, and chemical/instrumental analysis.
• Experience in conducting economic analyses for engineering processes.
• Demonstrated ability to create and foster relationships with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively present research results to farmer and/or industry audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conducting research under the NSERC Alliance program, focusing on evaluating the efficacy of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) technology for pathogen decontamination and enhancing seed germination in crops.
• Presenting research findings.
• Preparing scientific manuscripts.
• Collaborating with colleagues.
• Maintaining clean and organized laboratory spaces.
• Assisting with laboratory procedures and data analysis.
• Contributing to the organization of meetings and presentations for research project discussions.
• Model and simulate ACP process using COMSOL multi-physics simulation package.
• Introduce Deep Learning (DL) applications by training models (FCNN, CNN) on the extensive experimental dataset to accurately predict treatment efficacy.
• Design and build a continuous 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree