"Soybean Breeder & Geneticist, Department of Plant Sciences"

Description

Screening of applicants' credentials will begin July 25, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Desired start date is February 1, 2026.

The University of Tennessee is seeking applications and nominations for the position of Assistant Professor of Soybean Breeding & Genetics in the Department of Plant Sciences. This is a 9-month, tenure track position, 75% Research and 25% Teaching.

POSITION DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the comprehensive leadership of the UTIA Soybean Breeding & Genetics Program.
• Incorporate genomic selection to accelerate cultivar and germplasm improvement.
• Incorporate genetic diversity, pest resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, and desirable seed quality attributes into high-yielding backgrounds.
• Exert visionary leadership and serve as a catalyst for the implementation of innovative research projects.
• Write research grant proposals to provide external funding to support the program.
• Advise graduate students in M.S. and Ph.D. programs.
• Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses.
• Recruit qualified staff and promote their professional development.
• Manage budgets, assets, equipment, and personnel to meet the needs of the research program.
• Nurture productive relationships across the Institute of Agriculture and University of Tennessee, other universities, USDA and constituents external to the University

BENEFITS

Benefits available include group medical insurance, dental insurance, group and individual life insurance, long-term disability insurance, workers’ compensation, non-contributory retirement (UT makes all contributions), voluntary retirement programs, sick leave, annual leave, paid holidays and administrative leave days, unemployment compensation, educational waivers, and use of University Services.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D degree in the field of Plant Breeding or Genetics, or a closely related area.
• Postdoctoral research experience at a university (preferably land-grant institution), USDA-ARS or related agricultural industry experience.
• Plant breeding experience, including the management of multiple field plot trials is essential.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, and other personal attributes necessary to manage and direct a research and teaching program.
• Demonstrated ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to lead, work well with others, and work with a diverse range of constituents.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in multiple aspects of molecular breeding and functional genomics, particularly as they relate to crop improvement and the integration of modern genomic tools in breeding programs.
• Experience with grant writing and potential in securing research funding.
• Teaching experience of plant breeding courses.
• Demonstrated ability to administer budgets and manage personnel.

Application Instructions

TO APPLY

Application materials must include:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Letter of interest detailing research and teaching philosophy
3. Names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of four professional references that the Search Committee may contact
4. Official transcripts or diploma showing degree(s) conferred

For more information and to apply, contact:

Dr. Tarek Hewezi

Professor

University of Tennessee

Department of Plant Sciences

2431 Joe Johnson Drive

301 Ag & Natural Resources Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996

phone 865-974-7559

email: thewezi@utk.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.