Assistant or Associate Professor (Open Rank) - Plant Synthetic Biology and Technology Development

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking an Assistant or Associate Professor in Plant Synthetic Biology to lead innovative research and teach in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. This role focuses on developing technologies for engineered plant lines to address global agricultural challenges. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plant biology and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in mathematical modelling of biological systems.
• Strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead a research program in plant synthetic biology.
• Conduct innovative research at the intersection of systems biology and agriculture.
• Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Skills

Mathematical Modelling

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Biology

Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology

Ph.D. in Bioengineering

Tools

High-Throughput Screening Platforms

Synthetic Regulatory Systems

Job description

Assistant or Associate Professor (Open Rank) - Plant Synthetic Biology and Technology Development

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the

Assistant or Associate Professor (Open Rank) - Plant Synthetic Biology and Technology Development

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 06/30/25. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Materials to be uploaded include (1) Letter of application; (2) Curriculum vitae; (3) Unofficial transcripts; (4) Statement of research vision, and (5) Names and Contact Information of three professional references. Inquiries about this position should be directed to Dr. Scott Jackson, Chair of the Search Committee, at [e-mail].

Posting Details

Posting Details Posting Number F2372P Working Title Assistant or Associate Professor (Open Rank) - Plant Synthetic Biology and Technology Development Department CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences About the University of Georgia Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/) . The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine. About the College/Unit/Department The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences resides in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, which has teaching, research, and outreach programs at three campuses across the state: Athens, Griffin and Tifton. The department has teaching, research, and extension faculty at all three locations which conduct basic and applied research that is important to clientele in the state of Georgia and that adds to the body of knowledge basic to agricultural production and environmental management. The Department has faculty with expertise that can be grouped into three general areas: Cultivar Development, Genetics, and Biotechnology; Crop Management, Physiology, and Weed Management; and Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management. College/Unit/Department website https://cropsoil.uga.edu/ Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2025 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 05/14/2025 Job Closing Date Open until filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 06/30/25. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Materials to be uploaded include (1) Letter of application; (2) Curriculum vitae; (3) Unofficial transcripts; (4) Statement of research vision, and (5) Names and Contact Information of three professional references. Inquiries about this position should be directed to Dr. Scott Jackson, Chair of the Search Committee, at [e-mail]. Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail] ). USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Position Details

Position Information Classification Title Open Rank FLSA Faculty Rank Open Rank (Tenure Track) Contract Type Academic (9 mo.) Tenure Status Tenure Track or Tenured Minimum Qualifications A Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Position Summary The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences ( UGA CAES ) seeks a visionary scientist to lead innovative research in designing and developing computational tools, methodologies, and technologies to design and accelerate the development, testing and deployment of engineered plant lines. This position represents a unique opportunity to contribute to the rapidly growing field of plant synthetic biology and address global challenges in agriculture and the bioeconomy. This position is expected to collaborate with colleagues within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the College of Engineering. and the developing Institute of Synthetic Biology currently led by Dr. Scott Jackson.

The successful candidate will focus on developing enabling plant synthetic biology technologies—such as designing synthetic regulatory circuits, rewired cell-type-specific physiologies, and high-throughput screening/precision phenotyping systems. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, enhancing plant photosynthesis, tolerance to abiotic stresses, and conversion of metabolites into economically or nutritionally valuable bioproducts. By integrating bioengineering approaches across the gene, protein, cell, and organismal levels, the candidate will accelerate the design-build-test-learn cycle for engineering plants at scale. Additional Requirements Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Proficiency in mathematical modelling of biological and/or agricultural systems with a focus on genetics, and/or a demonstrated track record of research excellence in plant synthetic biology or tool development, supported by peer-reviewed publications or other significant contributions.
• Non-plant synthetic biologists seeking to apply relevant expertise to plant/agricultural systems and problems are also encouraged to apply.
• Expertise in designing high-throughput screening platforms, synthetic regulatory systems/ engineered metabolic pathways, or phenotyping technologies.
• Strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, teaching, and mentoring.

Physical Demands Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website . Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website . Duties/Responsibilities Duties/Responsibilities Key Responsibilities

• Lead a cutting-edge research program in plant synthetic biology, focusing on development of genetic tools and technologies for high-throughput discovery and engineering.
• Conduct innovative research at the intersection of systems biology, AI/ML, computational modeling, and agriculture.
• Develop novel methods for the design, screening, and optimization of plant traits and systems.
• Collaborate across disciplines, including computational biology, molecular engineering, and plant physiology, to create integrative solutions.
• Secure external funding to support research initiatives.
• Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in related fields.
• Engage with industry and stakeholders to promote the application of enabling genetic tools and biosystems design models in agriculture.
• Mentorship and education of graduate students
• Consistent with UGA’s commitment to offer the highest quality instruction, at the current allocation of effort, this role will be expected to teach 4.5 credit hours/year.

Percentage Of Time 100

Posting Specific Questions

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Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume/CV

Cover Letter

Unofficial Transcripts

List of References with Contact Information

Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents

Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy