Principal Research Scientist - ESKAPE Pathogens

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada .

full-time . January 20, 2026

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is a University of Saskatchewan research centre and a global leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals. For 50 years, VIDO has advanced solutions to emerging infectious disease threats and played a key role in Canada’s COVID19 response. To strengthen Canada’s preparedness as Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, we are: operating one of the world’s largest and most advanced Containment Level 3 (CL3) facilities; commissioning the Vaccine Development Centre (VDC)—a GMP compliant, CL3 capable biomanufacturing facility; adding Containment Level 4 (CL4) capacity to enable work with any pathogen; and building a new multispecies animal housing facility to expand preclinical R&D. These enhancements support scientists in Canada and around the world to develop vaccines and therapeutics for humans and animals.

VIDO’s purpose is captured in our Vision and Mission: Healthy People, Healthy Animals and Protect the world from infectious diseases . Our work embraces a One Health approach and is supported by worldclass core resources (flow cytometry, imaging, sequencing, bioinformatics, protein expression/purification, and high-performance computing), an experienced Veterinary Services Group, and strong campus partnerships. Our goal is to enable research on any emerging disease in any animal model, embracing a One Health approach to prevent infectious diseases in humans and animals.

Position Overview

We are seeking an exceptional scientist to join our team of Principal Investigators and lead a competitive, independent, and externally funded research program focused on ESKAPE pathogens. Research programs must align with VIDO’s mission and vision: advancing knowledge and developing solutions to prevent and control infectious diseases in humans and animals.

Priority Will Be Given To Applicants With Expertise In

• Molecular microbiology of ESKAPE pathogens
• Pathogenesis and host–pathogen interactions
• Development of vaccines or novel therapeutic strategies against ESKAPE organisms

The Successful Candidate Will

• Establish and lead a competitive, externally funded research program
• Recruit and supervise graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and technical staff
• Contribute to knowledge transfer, community outreach, and stakeholder engagement

What We Offer

• Generous start-up support
• Competitive salary aligned with Canadian academic standards
• Comprehensive benefits (health, dental, life insurance, and pension plan)
• Access to state-of-the-art core resources: flow cytometry, imaging, protein expression and purification, bioinformatics, and high-performance computing
• A highly experienced Veterinary Services Group supporting infectious disease studies in CL2 and CL3 with large and small animal models
• Robust collaboration opportunities across the University of Saskatchewan (College of Medicine, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Engineering) and access to leading facilities such as the Canadian Light Source, Protein Characterization and Crystallization Facility, and the Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Centre

Qualifications

• PhD and/or MD with 3+ years of relevant research experience
• Demonstrated history of research on ESKAPE pathogens
• Evidence of research excellence through peer-reviewed publications
• Demonstrated potential to obtain external funding and supervising trainees
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within consortia and collaborative networks

About Saskatoon & University Of Saskatchewan

With a population of approximately 314,000, Saskatoon offers a vibrant cultural and arts scene, extensive recreational opportunities, and an exceptional quality of life. The University of Saskatchewan is among Canada’s top 15 medical universities and provides a world-class research environment, featuring the Canadian Light Source (Canada’s only synchrotron), the Global Institute for Food Security, and the Global Institute for Water Security.

Application Process

Interested Candidates Should Submit

• Cover letter
• Summary of proposed research program
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Status: Permanent

Employment Group: Non-Union

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at:

Facility Access Screening including Criminal Record Check: Yes

Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable

Education/Credential Verification: Yes

Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

For more information, visit

The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthens the community and enhances 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 accommodation for those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. 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.