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

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks an Assistant or Associate Professor in Plant Synthetic Biology and Technology Development. This position will involve leading innovative research and enhancing agricultural systems through genetic engineering, integrated with teaching responsibilities at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Benefits

Benefits Eligible

Retirement Plan options available

Opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant fields required.
• Track record in research with publications.
• Skills in tool development in plant synthetic biology.

Responsibilities

• Lead research in plant synthetic biology.
• Develop genetic tools and technologies.
• Teach and mentor students in related fields.

Skills

Proficiency in mathematical modelling

Expertise in synthetic biology

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Synthetic Biology, or related field

Tools

High-throughput screening technologies

Job description

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

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date:

08/01/2025

Job Posting Date:

05/14/2025

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.

Classification Title:

Open Rank

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.

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.

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:

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