Three open rank faculty positions Crop Design/Synthetic Biology

Posted: 06-Aug-26

About the role

The University of Georgia invites applications for three open rank tenure-track faculty positions in Crop Design. This is part of a strategic cluster hire aimed at building world-leading capacity in rational crop redesign for climate resilience, yield, sustainability, and profit. All positions will be part of a nascent Institute of Crop Design, and departmental homes will be determined by the successful candidate’s research foci, including Crop and Soils Science, Plant Pathology, and Horticulture.

Focus Areas

• Cutting-edge AI, machine-learning, and computational modeling in combination with quantitative genetics to enable predictive crop design. Priority areas include:
  • 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. This position will strengthen UGA’s synthetic biology capacity to engineer novel genetic circuits, metabolic pathways, and traits in agriculturally important species:
  • 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. We seek an established leader who integrates AI, advanced genome engineering, genetics, and synthetic biology to redesign crops for sustainable, high-performance agriculture. Priority will be given to candidates with:
  • A track record of large-scale genome design, synthetic chromosome engineering, or systems-level trait stacking
  • Experience translating fundamental discoveries into applied crop varieties or technologies
  • Expertise in building interdisciplinary teams that bridge AI, genetics, and genetic engineering
  • Vision for industry partnerships and real-world deployment of engineered crops

Requirements

• Ph.D. with an international reputation in a relevant field of study
• Demonstrated leadership in quantitative genetic/AI modeling, crop synthetic biology, genome design, or translational genetic engineering
• Proven ability to either build or work in collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams