Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2758P

Working Title

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor - Crop Design

Department

CAES-Assoc Dean for Research

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 College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, founded in 1859, is a leader in agricultural research. Its world-class programs have generated breakthrough discoveries in precision agriculture, sustainability, genomics, and climate resilience. Faculty and students drive impactful research that strengthens Georgia's $80+ billion agribusiness economy while addressing global challenges in food security and environmental stewardship.

The University of Georgia has several institutes and centers to foster interdisciplinary research, including the Institute for Artificial Intelligence, which drives cutting-edge AI applications; the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center ( CCRC ), a global leader in glycobiology and carbohydrate science; the Plant Center, advancing plant biology across campus; the Center for Food Safety, pioneering innovations in food microbiology and safety; the Institute for Plant Breeding and Genetics; and the Institute for Integrated Precision Agriculture. These centers foster interdisciplinary research and provide access to state-of-the-art facilities that accelerate discovery from molecular mechanisms to field-scale solutions.

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Anticipated Start Date

01/01/2027

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

07/28/2026

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Scott Jackson, Chair of the Search Committee (sjackson@uga.edu). Materials to be uploaded include i) curriculum vitae; ii) research statement covering past research and future plans; iii) teaching philosophy; iv) 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 a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia.

Applications received by October 1, 2026, are assured full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Open Rank

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank (Tenure Track)

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenure Track or Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD/Doctorate degree.

Position Summary

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 and include Crop and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology, and Horticulture. We seek candidates in three broad areas:

1. Cutting-edge AI, machine-learning, and computational modeling in combination with quantitative genetics to enable predictive crop design. Priority areas include:
   1. AI-guided prediction of genome-editing outcomes and genotype-to-phenotype mapping
   2. Design and optimization of synthetic genetic circuits using multi-omics integration
   3. Development of digital-twin or in silico models for crop performance under stress
   4. High-throughput computational frameworks for trait engineering in major crops
   
   
   
2. 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.
   1. Development of synthetic promoters, biosensors, orthogonal systems, or genetic circuits
   2. Advanced genome-editing technologies (e.g., base/prime editing, multiplex CRISPR , large-scale knockouts)
   3. Protein engineering at scale (e.g., high-throughput enzyme screening, AI-guided protein design)
   4. Metabolic pathway refactoring and biosynthetic engineering in crops
   5. High-throughput genetic engineering pipelines for trait improvement (yield, nutrient efficiency, stress tolerance, or bio-manufacturing)
3. 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:
   1. A track record of large-scale genome design, synthetic chromosome engineering, or systems-level trait stacking
   2. Experience translating fundamental discoveries into applied crop varieties or technologies
   3. Expertise in building interdisciplinary teams that bridge AI, genetics, and genetic engineering
   4. Vision for industry partnerships and real-world deployment of engineered crops

All position appointments are 75% research, 20% teaching, and 5% service.

Additional Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: Doctorate with an international reputation in relevant field of study.

Additional Requirements: For rank and tenure requirements, please see the UGA Guidelines for Appointment and Promotion, and the tenure processes of the appointing department UGA P&T Criteria by Unit.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• 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 and translate research into agricultural impact
• Proven ability to either build or work in collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams and translate research into agricultural impact

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

Yes

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?

Yes

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)

Yes

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

Duties/Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Lead a major, high-impact research program with substantial external funding
• Mentor postdocs and students
• Contribute to a strategic vision and program-building in crop synthetic biology
• Teach advanced graduate courses and participate in outreach/industry engagement

Percentage Of Time

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Research Portfolio/Philosophy
3. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
4. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents