PhD Position in Plant Breeding & Genetics | Oklahoma State University

Biopractify; Stillwater (OK); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, seeks a PhD student in Plant Breeding & Genetics for the Ornamental and Nursery Crop program. This fully funded PhD will involve field phenotyping, germplasm characterization, controlled hybridization, and molecular approaches to improve ornamental crops.

Intake is Spring 2027, with opportunities for publications and practical training. The position is based in the Ferguson College of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture,

Qualifications

• M.S. in horticulture, plant breeding, agronomy, plant biology, genetics or closely related field.
• Strong foundation in plant genetics, physiology, and experimental design.
• Experience in plant breeding, molecular tools, plant propagation or tissue culture preferred.
• Data analysis or programming skills (R/Python/SAS) are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on ornamental and nursery crop genetics for improvement.
• Perform multi-location field phenotyping to assess traits of interest.
• Characterize germplasm and apply controlled hybridization and mutagenesis.
• Use molecular approaches to investigate desirable traits.
• Analyze data and apply statistical tools; report findings.
• Contribute to publications and enhance breeding program outcomes.

Skills

Plant breeding

Genetics

Experimental design

Data analysis

Strong communication

English proficiency

Education

M.S. in Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Biology, Genetics or closely related field

Tools

R

Python

SAS

Job description

Institution: Oklahoma State University – Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, Ferguson College of Agriculture

Position: PhD Student – Plant Breeding & Genetics

Funding: Fully Funded

Research Area: Plant Breeding | Plant Genetics | Horticultural Crops | Ornamental & Nursery Crops | Crop Improvement | Stress Tolerance | Molecular Breeding | Plant Phenotyping

The Ornamental and Nursery Crop Plant Breeding Program at Oklahoma State University (OSU) is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to begin in Spring 2027.

The selected student will conduct research focused on the genetic improvement of ornamental and nursery crops using field phenotyping, germplasm characterization, controlled hybridization, mutagenesis, and molecular approaches.

What You’ll Work On

Conduct research aimed at the genetic improvement of ornamental and nursery crops, with a focus on developing improved plant characteristics.

Multi-Location Field Phenotyping

Perform multi-location field phenotyping to evaluate plant performance and identify traits with potential breeding value.

Characterize and evaluate plant germplasm to understand genetic and phenotypic variation relevant to crop improvement.

Apply controlled hybridization and breeding approaches to develop and evaluate new plant materials.

Use mutagenesis and molecular techniques to investigate and improve desirable plant traits.

Stress Tolerance & Ornamental Quality

Research traits related to stress tolerance, plant growth habit, and ornamental quality in nursery and ornamental crops.

The PhD research may involve:

• Genetic improvement of ornamental and nursery crops
• Plant breeding and genetics
• Multi-location field phenotyping
• Germplasm characterization
• Controlled hybridization
• Molecular approaches
• Plant stress tolerance
• Crop improvement

Ideal Candidate

Applicants should have:

• Horticulture
• Agronomy
• Genetics
• Or a closely related discipline
• A strong foundation in plant genetics, plant physiology, and experimental design.
• Experience in one or more of the following:
  • Plant breeding
  • Molecular tools
  • Plant propagation
  • Tissue culture
• Competence in data analysis or programming is preferred, particularly:
  • R
  • Python
  • SAS
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to meet the Oklahoma State University Graduate College admission requirements.
• Strong motivation to pursue research in plant breeding and genetics.

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD at Oklahoma State University.
• Research experience in ornamental and nursery crop improvement.
• Hands-on exposure to plant breeding and genetic improvement strategies.
• Experience with field phenotyping and germplasm characterization.
• Training in controlled hybridization, mutagenesis, and molecular approaches.
• Opportunity to work on research addressing stress tolerance and ornamental quality.
• Development of skills in plant genetics, physiology, experimental design, and data analysis.
• Opportunity to contribute to scientific publications and research projects.

The research program focuses on the genetic improvement of ornamental and nursery crops through an integrated combination of traditional and modern plant breeding approaches.

Research activities will include multi-location field phenotyping, germplasm characterization, controlled hybridization, mutagenesis, and molecular approaches.

The program particularly targets traits associated with:

• Stress tolerance
• Crop performance and improvement

The successful PhD student will be expected to:

• Conduct research in plant breeding and genetics.
• Perform field-based phenotyping across multiple locations.
• Characterize and evaluate plant germplasm.
• Conduct controlled hybridization and breeding experiments.
• Apply molecular and mutagenesis approaches where appropriate.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Apply statistical or computational tools such as R, Python, or SAS.
• Communicate research findings through presentations and scientific publications.
• Contribute effectively to research activities within the Ornamental and Nursery Crop Plant Breeding Program.

College: Ferguson College of Agriculture

Department: Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture

Program: Ornamental and Nursery Crop Plant Breeding Program

Intake: Spring 2027

Funding: Fully Funded

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA

Research Areas: Plant Breeding | Plant Genetics | Horticulture | Agronomy | Plant Biology | Crop Improvement | Ornamental Crops | Nursery Crops

Research Techniques: Multi-Location Field Phenotyping | Germplasm Characterization | Controlled Hybridization | Mutagenesis | Molecular Approaches

Preferred Data Skills: R | Python | SAS

Minimum Degree: M.S. in Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Biology, Genetics or closely related field

Application Subject: Spring 2027 Ph.D. Application

Application Documents: CV | Cover Letter | Unofficial Transcripts | Optional Publications/Thesis Chapters/Posters/Writing Samples

Start Term: Spring 2027

Interview: Virtual interview for selected applicants