"Assistant Professor in Plant Synthetic Biology for Strategic Resources Research"

Job Details

Position Summary

The Department of Plant Biology at the University of Georgia invites applications for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position in Plant Synthetic Biology for Strategic Resources Research.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program, contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, and actively contribute to departmental and university service.

This position offers exceptional opportunities for collaboration with faculty across UGA’s extensive network of researchers in the basic and applied plant sciences.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Candidates should submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a research plan (max. 3 pages); and (4) a statement of teaching interests and philosophy (max. 2 pages). Plans for fostering a respectful, welcoming, and supportive environment in both research and teaching should be integrated into the respective statements. Candidates should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to: facultysearch@plantbio.uga.edu. Questions may be directed to the search committee at the same address. Completed applications (including letters) received by November 21, 2025, will receive full consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2513P

Working Title: Assistant Professor in Plant Synthetic Biology for Strategic Resources Research

Department: Franklin-Plant Biology

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America 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.

About the College/Unit/Department: The Department of Plant Biology and the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences are committed to multidisciplinary research, collaboration, and academic innovation.

College/Unit/Department website: https://www.plantbio.uga.edu/

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan:

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Underutilization:

Advertised Salary:

Anticipated Start Date: 08/01/2026

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings):

Job Posting Date: 10/16/2025

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: Assistant Professor

FLSA:

Faculty Rank: Assistant Professor

Contract Type: Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status: Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications: A Ph.D. (or equivalent) in plant biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.

Additional Requirements:

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification: At least one year of postdoctoral experience is highly desirable.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: We seek candidates with expertise in protein and metabolic engineering to advance plant-based discovery, synthesis, or capture of materials and resources of strategic importance. Areas of interest include the synthesis of critical bio-commodities, the development of phytomining platforms for elemental recovery or remediation, and the engineering of plant systems to produce sustainable and functionalized materials for the emerging bioeconomy. Candidates who integrate data science and artificial intelligence to enhance design precision, pathway engineering, synthetic reprogramming, or discovery are especially encouraged to apply.

Competitive applicants will have a strong record of research productivity and achievement, a well-developed and forward-looking research plan, and a demonstrated commitment to effective teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels within a respectful and welcoming environment.

Physical Demands:

Is this a Position of Trust?: No

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 responsibility of this position?: No

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): No

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

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.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Posting Specific Questions: Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
4. Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents