Post-Doctoral Associate AD- Biswal

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens, GA is seeking a Post-Doctoral Associate (AD) to join the CAES-Horticulture team under Dr. Akshaya Biswal.

The role focuses on advancing peanut genomics through tissue culture, transformation, and genome editing. The successful candidate will optimize regeneration, generate transgenic lines, and perform molecular and phenotypic analyses, with strong emphasis on rigorous documentation, collaboration, and timely dissemination of results.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plant molecular biology or a closely related field.
• 2–3 years of research experience in tissue culture, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, genome editing, and cloning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Optimize peanut regeneration systems by tissue culture media formulations and morphogenic regulator strategies.
• Generate transgenic and CRISPR-edited peanut lines and perform molecular screening.
• Characterize plants through molecular, phenotypic, and greenhouse analyses and report results.

Skills

Plant biology

Molecular biology

Genome editing

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Gateway cloning

Golden Gate

Gibson assembly

In-Fusion cloning

PCR/qPCR

Job description

Posting Number:

G/R34715P

Working Title:

Post-Doctoral Associate AD- Biswal

Department:

CAES-Horticulture

About the University of Georgia:

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 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 established School of Medicine.

Employment Type:

Employee

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date:

10/01/2026

Posting Date:

09/14/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Location of Vacancy:

Tifton Area

EOO 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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Optimize peanut regeneration systems by developing and refining tissue culture media formulations, growth conditions, and morphogenic regulator gene expression strategies to enhance regeneration efficiency.
• Generate transgenic and CRISPR-edited peanut lines through transformation, plant regeneration, and molecular screening to support functional genomics and crop improvement research.
• Characterize and evaluate transgenic and gene-edited peanut plants through molecular, phenotypic, and greenhouse-based analyses to assess gene expression, editing outcomes, and trait performance.

Percentage of time:

60

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design and construct guide RNAs and recombinant vectors for heterologous gene expression and CRISPR-mediated genome editing using modern molecular cloning techniques.
• Develop, optimize, and implement Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocols to improve transformation efficiency and generate transgenic plant materials.
• Perform molecular characterization and validation of transgenic and genome-edited plants, including construct verification, gene expression analysis, and evaluation of editing outcomes.

Percentage of time:

25

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Prepare research reports, scientific manuscripts, and other scholarly publications for submission to peer-reviewed journals, ensuring accurate documentation and dissemination of research findings.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in mentoring undergraduate and graduate student researchers, providing technical guidance, training, and support for ongoing research projects.
• Present research results at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, scientific conferences, and professional symposia, and contribute to the communication of research outcomes to diverse audiences.

Percentage of time:

10

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Supporting laboratory operations
• Waste disposal, maintenance of stocks and buffers, ordering chemicals and supplies.
• Other activities assigned by the supervisor

Percentage of time:

5

Classification Title:

Post-Doctoral Associate AD

FLSA:

Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Position Summary:

The Post-Doctoral Associate will integrate advanced biotechnological approaches to support research objectives, including construct design using modern cloning techniques, heterologous gene expression, plant tissue culture, and CRISPR-mediated genome editing.

The individual in this role will generate and characterize transgenic and gene- edited peanut lines, from vector construction and transformation to greenhouse and field evaluation. The researcher will independently manage research projects focused on the functional validation of candidate genes associated with peanut diseases, abiotic stress tolerance, and seed quality traits.

Additional responsibilities include preparing research reports and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications, supervising student workers, and supporting graduate student research projects. The successful candidate will also present research findings at laboratory meetings and at national and international scientific conferences and symposia.

This is a limited-term appointment up to 5 years after the start date. Renewal or extension beyond the initial term is anticipated but not guaranteed and will depend on project needs, the availability of funding, and job performance. The position may be renewed on an annual basis, contingent upon continued grant support.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:

• Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.
• At least 2–3 years of research experience in plant tissue culture, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, genome editing, and molecular cloning techniques, including Gateway cloning, Golden Gate assembly, Gibson assembly, and In-Fusion cloning.
• Experience in the molecular characterization of transgenic and gene-edited plants, including transgene integration, mutant identification, copy number determination, and gene expression analysis using PCR and qPCR.
• Experience with light and confocal microscopy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies :

• Demonstrated expertise in aseptic plant tissue culture techniques and handling of in vitro cultures. Strong knowledge of plant growth regulators, tissue culture media formulation, and plant growth and regeneration conditions.

Physical Demands:

• Standing and bending, lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Enduring outside and/or inside elements for extended periods of time
• Travel to/from multiple locations as needed for job duties.
• Driving as needed to perform duties

Is this a Position of Trust?:

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a requirement of this position?:

Yes

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

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.

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

Dr. Akshaya Biswal

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]