Research Scientist I

State of South Carolina; Orangeburg (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

State of South Carolina's Center of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics (CPBGG) invites applications for a research scientist to lead independent, multidisciplinary studies in genetics, genomics, and disease resistance. The role focuses on integrating phenomics, genome-wide prediction, and validation across regional environments.

Candidates will design complex experiments, publish findings, mentor students and staff, secure external funding, and collaborate with teams and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Plant Breeding, Statistical Genetics, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience in genome-wide prediction, advanced breeding and disease resistance genetics.
• Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving and innovation skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent multidisciplinary research in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, phenomics, and disease resistance genetics.
• Develop competitive research programs integrating field phenotyping, genomics, genome-wide prediction, and validation.
• Design, manage and analyze complex experiments across diverse environments with strong data handling and statistics.

Skills

Independent work

Organization

Communication

Education

PhD in Genetics/Genomics/Plant Breeding

Tools

Next-generation sequencing

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, the Center of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics (CPBGG) initiates and implements research aimed at increased productivity, making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and multidisciplinary research in plant breeding, genetics,genomics, phenomics, and disease resistance genetics under the supervision of the CPBGG Director.
• Develop competitive research programs integrating field phenotyping, genomics,genome-wide prediction, and field validation of genomic discoveries to address regional breeding priorities.
• Design, manage, and analyze complex field, greenhouse, and laboratory experimentsacross diverse agroecological environments, with strong skills in data handling, data management, and statistical analysis.
• Establish and manage the CPBGG genetics and genomics laboratory, includinggenotyping, sequencing, and bioinformatics analyses.
• Publish research findings, secure external funding, mentor students and staff, andcollaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, Plant Breeding, Statistical Genetics, or a related field-Required
• Minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience in genome-wide prediction, advancedbreeding, and plant disease resistance genetics.
• Ability to work independently with problem-solving and innovation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple research projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectivelyacross diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work regularly in field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments.

Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies.

Experience and commitment towards the field work in plant breeding experiments/ in diverse agroecological conditions and manage complex field experiments.

Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for research and professional activities. frequent travel to on-farm and trial locations across the state

Salary Commensurate With Experience.

Benefits for State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note:

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.