Post Doctoral Fellow of Barley Breeding and Genetics BF9456

Oklahoma State University; Stillwater (OK); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Oklahoma State University invites applications for a 12- month Post Doctoral Fellow in Barley Breeding and Genetics. The position focuses on testing breeding lines in greenhouse and field plots and selecting for improved traits, with emphasis on resistance and forage quality.

The successful candidate will collaborate with USDA-ARS and OSU scientists, contributing to advances in barley genetics and crop improvement within a land‑grant mission.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agronomy, or Entomology required; postdoctoral experience preferred.
• Commitment to research excellence and strong oral and written communication skills.
• Expertise in crop breeding and genetics with preference for barley or small grains.

Responsibilities

• Work on barley breeding to determine cultivars resistant to biotic stressors and forage quality.
• Test advanced barley breeding in greenhouse and field plots and select for improved traits.
• Collaborate with USDA-ARS and OSU scientists on the barley project.

Skills

Oral Communication

Written Communication

Crop Breeding and Genetics

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics

Ph.D. in Agronomy

Ph.D. in Entomology

Job description

Post Doctoral Fellow – Barley Breeding and Genetics

Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, Oklahoma

The Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Oklahoma State University invites applications for a 12- month Post Doctoral Fellow Temporary Research Faculty (100% Research) in Barley Breeding and Genetics. This position carries the expectation of excellence in scholarship across all areas of the appointment, commensurate with the land grant mission of Oklahoma State University.

Position Description

This position is a post-doctorate research assistant working as a plant geneticist on malting barley working with USDA-ARS and Oklahoma State University scientists. Knowledge of crop genetics and plant biology will be required to test advanced barley breeding in greenhouse and field plots and make selections for improved traits that warrant release. Knowledge of aphid-plant interactions will be helpful, as aphid (greenbug, Russian Wheat Aphid, Bird Cherry Oat Aphid) resistance is being sought. Superior selections will be evaluated for homozygous resistance via field trials or through marker assisted selection. Barley lines will also be evaluated for grazing effect and nutritional value for forage.

The post-doc will be responsible for working on the barley breeding project to determine cultivars resistant to biotic stressors and other factors affecting forage nutritive quality, forage biomass production, and grain yield.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agronomy, or Entomology, or a related field is required, and postdoctoral experience is preferred. Applicants must be committed to research excellence. Individuals must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and have crop breeding and genetics expertise, with preference for emphasis in barley or other small grains.

Employment Conditions

Review of applications will begin November 1, 2026. For full consideration, submit all materials by November 1, 2026. Review of applications will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with education, training, and experience. Retirement and long-term disability, medical, dental, and life insurance programs are available to the employee. The position is available on December 1, 2026, or as soon thereafter as an outstanding candidate is available.

About The Department

The Department of Animal and Food Sciences has over 1100 undergraduate students, 65 M.S. and Ph.D. students, and 30 faculty. The department is home to nine undergraduate student organizations and seven competitive undergraduate judging teams. The department operates nine farm and ranch units with high-quality livestock encompassing over 12,000 acres. For more information about the department, go to: http://www.afs.okstate.edu/

Resources

• https://agriculture.okstate.edu
• https://agresearch.okstate.edu
• https://extension.okstate.edu
• https://www.okstate.edu
• https://www.visitstillwater.org
• https://www.stillwaterchamber.org