Post-Doctoral Associate-Ad-Nankar

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Post-Doctoral Associate in Ad Nankar for CAES-Horticulture in the Tifton Area. Start date is 09/15/2025 with duties spanning field, greenhouse, and laboratory research across multiple locations.

You will lead plant breeding and pre-breeding activities, operate analytical equipment, and contribute to publications and grant proposals while mentoring students and staff. Travel to sites is frequent; driving is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Breeding or equivalent topic.
• Experience with pre/post-harvest biochemistry and physiology is expected.
• Proficiency in Python or R for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Field – lead multi-location snapbean variety trial to identify promising breeding lines.
• Greenhouse – lead trichome characterization in pepper and tomato and assist with insect screening.
• Laboratory – assist in post-harvest fruit quality analysis and collaborate with partners.
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications and participate in grant proposals; supervise students and seasonal workers.
• Assigned tasks as necessary.

Skills

Python

R

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Plant Breeding or equivalent

Tools

Electron microscopy

High-throughput phenotyping

Job description

Position Title

Post-Doctoral Associate – Ad Nankar

Department

CAES-Horticulture

Employment Type

Employee

Location

Tifton Area

Start Date

09/15/2025

Instructions to Applicants

Please include your Resume/CV & Evidence of Degree.

Equal Opportunity Employer 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]).

Responsibilities

• Field – Lead multi-location snapbean variety trial to characterize horticultural traits to identify promising breeding lines that can be evaluated across Southeast US for potential release. (50% of time)
• Greenhouse – Lead trichome characterization in pepper and tomato in relation to host resistance. Assist the internal collaborators with whitefly and other insect screening. (20% time)
• Laboratory – Assist in post-harvest fruit quality analysis and collaborate with internal and external collaborators. (15% time)
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications, participate in grant proposal preparation, supervise graduate and undergraduate students, and seasonal workers research activities in lab, greenhouse, and field set up. (10% time)
• Assigned tasks as necessary. (5% time)

Position Summary

• Lead plant breeding and pre-breeding research in a startup setting.
• Strong knowledge of breeding methods used in vegetable breeding.
• Handle and operate analytical biochemistry, molecular biology, and high-throughput phenotyping equipment.
• Understand statistical principles and applications to breeding research.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Interest in collaborative research and ability to work in multicultural teams.
• Obtain driving license and operate the vehicle.

Education and Experience

• PhD in Plant Breeding or equivalent topic.
• Prior experience in pre- and post-harvest biochemistry and physiology, electron microscopy, pre-breeding, genomic selection, disease resistance screening, and wet lab research.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Proficiency in script writing using Python or R.
• Experience with generation and bioinformatic analysis of metabolomics, transcriptomics, and sequencing data.

Physical Demands

• Highly dedicated team member willing to work long hours, weekends, and during peak seasons.
• Will travel frequently to different research sites, often early morning or late evening.
• Driving required.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Post-Doctoral Associate AD
• FLSA: Exempt
• FTE: 1.00

Contact

• Name: Amol Nankar
• Email: [e-mail]