Research Scientist I

About the role

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.

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 experiments across diverse agroecological environments, with strong skills in data handling, data management, and statistical analysis.
• Establish and manage the CPBGG genetics and genomics laboratory, including genotyping, sequencing, and bioinformatics analyses.
• Publish research findings, secure external funding, mentor students and staff, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, Plant Breeding, Statistical Genetics, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience in genome-wide prediction, advanced breeding, 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 effectively across diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work regularly in field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies.
• Experience and commitment towards field work in plant breeding experiments in diverse agroecological conditions and managing 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.