"Assistant or Associate Professor (Open Rank) - Plant Synthetic Biology and Technology Development"

Job Details

Position Summary

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (UGA CAES) seeks a visionary scientist to lead innovative research in designing and developing computational tools, methodologies, and technologies to design and accelerate the development, testing and deployment of engineered plant lines. This position represents a unique opportunity to contribute to the rapidly growing field of plant synthetic biology and address global challenges in agriculture and the bioeconomy. This position is expected to collaborate with colleagues within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the College of Engineering and the developing Institute of Synthetic Biology currently led by Dr. Scott Jackson.

The successful candidate will focus on developing enabling plant synthetic biology technologies—such as designing synthetic regulatory circuits, rewired cell-type-specific physiologies, and high-throughput screening/precision phenotyping systems. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, enhancing plant photosynthesis, tolerance to abiotic stresses, and conversion of metabolites into economically or nutritionally valuable bioproducts. By integrating bioengineering approaches across the gene, protein, cell, and organismal levels, the candidate will accelerate the design-build-test-learn cycle for engineering plants at scale.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 06/30/25. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Materials to be uploaded include (1) Letter of application; (2) Curriculum vitae; (3) Unofficial transcripts; (4) Statement of research vision, and (5) Names and Contact Information of three professional references. Inquiries about this position should be directed to Dr. Scott Jackson, Chair of the Search Committee, at sjackson@uga.edu.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2372P

Working Title

Assistant or Associate Professor (Open Rank) - Plant Synthetic Biology and Technology Development

Department

CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 formed School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences resides in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, which has teaching, research, and outreach programs at three campuses across the state: Athens, Griffin and Tifton. The department has teaching, research, and extension faculty at all three locations which conduct basic and applied research that is important to clientele in the state of Georgia and that adds to the body of knowledge basic to agricultural production and environmental management. The Department has faculty with expertise that can be grouped into three general areas: Cultivar Development, Genetics, and Biotechnology; Crop Management, Physiology, and Weed Management; and Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management.

College/Unit/Department website

https://cropsoil.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2025

Job Posting Date

05/14/2025

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO 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 (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Open Rank

Faculty Rank

Open Rank (Tenure Track)

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenure Track or Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Additional Requirements

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Proficiency in mathematical modelling of biological and/or agricultural systems with a focus on genetics, and/or a demonstrated track record of research excellence in plant synthetic biology or tool development, supported by peer-reviewed publications or other significant contributions.
• Non-plant synthetic biologists seeking to apply relevant expertise to plant/agricultural systems and problems are also encouraged to apply.
• Expertise in designing high-throughput screening platforms, synthetic regulatory systems/ engineered metabolic pathways, or phenotyping technologies.
• Strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, teaching, and mentoring.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a cutting-edge research program in plant synthetic biology, focusing on development of genetic tools and technologies for high-throughput discovery and engineering.
• Conduct innovative research at the intersection of systems biology, AI/ML, computational modeling, and agriculture.
• Develop novel methods for the design, screening, and optimization of plant traits and systems.
• Collaborate across disciplines, including computational biology, molecular engineering, and plant physiology, to create integrative solutions.
• Secure external funding to support research initiatives.
• Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in related fields.
• Engage with industry and stakeholders to promote the application of enabling genetic tools and biosystems design models in agriculture.
• Mentorship and education of graduate students.
• Consistent with UGA’s commitment to offer the highest quality instruction, at the current allocation of effort, this role will be expected to teach 4.5 credit hours/year.

Percentage Of Time

100