Assistant Professor - Ornamental Breeding
The University of Georgia

Job Info

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Posting Number:

F1899P

Working Title:

Assistant Professor - Ornamental Breeding

Department:

CAES-Horticulture

About the University of Georgia:

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department:

We improve the environment, health and well-being of citizens in Georgia and around the globe using innovative research, experiential teaching and outreach to increase the profitability and sustainability of horticulture. We increase public awareness of the positive aspects of horticulture, educate the horticulture workforce, and proactively shape the future of horticulture.

College/Unit/Department website:

https://hort.caes.uga.edu/

Posting Type:

External

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date:

08/01/2024

Job Posting Date:

02/16/2024

Open until filled:

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Review of applications will begin on April 1, 2024; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Materials to be uploaded include (1) a letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) statement of research philosophy, (5) statement of teaching philosophy, and (6) names and contact information of four professional references. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Bodie Pennisi, Chair of the Search Committee, at bpennisi@uga.edu.

Selected applicants will be required to submit a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia.

Location of Vacancy:

Griffin Area

EEO Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Classification Title:

Assistant Professor

Faculty Rank:

Assistant Professor

Contract Type:

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status:

Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Science, Plant Physiology/Biology, or related field with emphasis on plant breeding.

Position Summary:

The Department of Horticulture (https://hort.caes.uga.edu/) at the University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Professor with primary responsibilities in ornamental plant breeding. This is a Tenure Track, academic full-time, nine-month appointment, with 80% Research, 15% Teaching, and 5% Service appointment. The Successful Candidate will be expected to 1) develop a local, state, regionally, and nationally recognized program that will use traditional and modern techniques to address high priority issues in breeding for ornamental crops, 2) procure extramural funding, publish research findings, and regularly participate in other scholarly and departmental activities, 3) establish an active and sustained research program that includes supervision of graduate students, 4) collaborate with the faculty in the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics (plantbreeding.caes.uga.edu), the Plant Center (https://plantcenter.uga.edu/) and other faculty within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, and related disciplines, 5) teach one online graduate course on breeding for ornamental crops, 6) interact effectively with growers, green industry leaders, government agencies, as well as other disciplines. The position is based on the UGA-Griffin Campus in Griffin, GA, 30 miles south of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. UGA-Griffin lies in the heart of one of the nation's fastest growing areas in the nation. The 123-acre campus is one of the premier agricultural research centers in the region, housing world-class research facilities such as the Center for Urban Agriculture and the USDA's Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit. This position will report to the Head of the Department of Horticulture.

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

The candidate should have a record of accomplishments in the horticulture and/or breeding of annual and/or perennial crops (ornamentals preferred), proven by refereed publications, abstracts, and/or proceedings.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Commitment to high-quality research.
• Knowledge of conventional plant breeding and advanced breeding approaches, such as synthetic biology, bioinformatics, marker-assisted selection, genetic mapping, QTL analysis, and statistical genomics and phenomics.
• Ability to procure extramural funding.
• Analytical skills to identify problems and create solutions independently.
• Ability to conduct student success-based instruction.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary faculty, students, and staff team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Is this a Position of Trust?:

Yes

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

No

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):

No

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:

The successful candidate is expected to develop a strong, externally funded research program addressing the complexity of ornamental plants genetics and environmental interactions focusing on the development of cultivars with improved traits (e.g., appearance, architecture, growth habit, resilience to biotic and abiotic stressors, ecological value, etc.); 2) Release germplasm or cultivars of ornamental crops suitable for production and growth in Georgia, the Southeast US, and beyond; and 3) Lead cross-disciplinary proposals and projects aimed at improving development of ornamental plants in the State of Georgia.

Percentage Of Time:

100

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