Assistant/Associate/Full Professor - Crop Design

The University of Georgia, chartered in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and Georgia’s flagship university. Ranked among the top 20 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, UGA’s main campus is in Athens, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. The university employs approximately 3,100 faculty and over 7,700 full-time staff, serving more than 41,000 students across 19 schools and colleges, including a newly established School of Medicine.

About the College and Department

The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), founded in 1859, is a leader in agricultural research, driving breakthroughs in precision agriculture, sustainability, genomics, and climate resilience. CAES strengthens Georgia’s $80+ billion agribusiness economy while addressing global challenges in food security and environmental stewardship. The college hosts interdisciplinary research centers, including the Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Complex Carbohydrate Research Center (CCRC), Plant Center, Center for Food Safety, Institute for Plant Breeding and Genetics, and Institute for Integrated Precision Agriculture. These centers provide state-of-the-art facilities and foster collaboration across disciplines, from molecular mechanisms to field-scale solutions.

About the Role

The University of Georgia invites applications for three open-rank, tenure-track faculty positions in Crop Design, part of a strategic cluster hire to build world-leading capacity in rational crop redesign for climate resilience, yield, sustainability, and profitability. Positions will be affiliated with the nascent Institute of Crop Design, with departmental homes determined by the candidate’s research focus, including Crop and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology, and Horticulture. Appointments are structured as 75% research, 20% teaching, and 5% service.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-impact research program with substantial external funding.
• Mentor postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.
• Contribute to a strategic vision and program-building in crop synthetic biology.
• Teach advanced graduate courses and engage in outreach and industry collaboration.

Focus Areas

• AI and Computational Modeling for Crop Design
  • AI-guided prediction of genome-editing outcomes and genotype-to-phenotype mapping.
  • Design and optimization of synthetic genetic circuits using multi-omics integration.
  • Development of digital-twin or in silico models for crop performance under stress.
  • High-throughput computational frameworks for trait engineering in major crops.
• Advanced Genome Engineering for Crops
  • Development of synthetic promoters, biosensors, orthogonal systems, or genetic circuits.
  • Advanced genome-editing technologies (e.g., base/prime editing, multiplex CRISPR, large-scale knockouts).
  • Protein engineering at scale (e.g., high-throughput enzyme screening, AI-guided protein design).
  • Metabolic pathway refactoring and biosynthetic engineering in crops.
  • High-throughput genetic engineering pipelines for trait improvement (yield, nutrient efficiency, stress tolerance, or bio-manufacturing).
• Integrative Crop Design and Translational Synthetic Biology
  • Large-scale genome design, synthetic chromosome engineering, or systems-level trait stacking.
  • Translation of fundamental discoveries into applied crop varieties or technologies.
  • Expertise in building interdisciplinary teams bridging AI, genetics, and genetic engineering.
  • Vision for industry partnerships and real-world deployment of engineered crops.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• International reputation in quantitative genetics, AI modeling, crop synthetic biology, genome design, or translational genetic engineering.
• Proven ability to work in collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams and translate research into agricultural impact.
• For rank and tenure requirements, refer to the UGA Guidelines for Appointment and Promotion and the tenure processes of the appointing department.

Application Instructions

Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Scott Jackson, Chair of the Search Committee (sjackson@uga.edu). Required application materials include:

• Curriculum vitae.
• Research statement covering past research and future plans.
• Teaching philosophy.
• Names and contact information of five professional references (referees will not be contacted without further communication with the applicant).

Selected applicants will be required to submit transcripts and undergo a background investigation. Applications received by October 1, 2026, are assured full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2027.