Job Opening - Research Assistant Professor at University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Small Grains Breeding Program

Summary:

The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking a Small Grains Research Assistant Professor. The candidate will coordinate research efforts, manage laboratory activities, mentor students, collaborate with internal and external partners, secure extramural funding, and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journals and scientific meetings. 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the overall objectives of the Small Grains Breeding Program by conducting research in the field of small grains genetics and breeding with a focus on optimizing and deploying statistical tools and DNA marker information.

• Leading and collaborating on research projects related to response to biotic and abiotic stresses, heterosis, yield gain, hybrid purity, or genetic control of male and female traits in hybrid wheat and/or triticale.

• Developing and implementing strategies to advance research goals related to small grains genetic improvement, including the use of quantitative genetics theory, data analysis, and predictive breeding tools.

• Supporting research activities with internal and external partners, including stakeholders, agencies, and industry collaborators.

• Overseeing activities in the genotyping lab, including the development and implementation of an efficient genotyping workflow for the small grains breeding program.

• Generating high-quality data and participating in field and laboratory data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Writing and submitting grant proposals to secure extramural funding to support research initiatives and program development.

• Mentoring graduate students, laboratory staff, and potentially undergraduate students, fostering their professional growth and development.

• Managing laboratory staff, providing guidance, training, and support for efficient research operations.

• Publishing research findings in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences and meetings.

• Collaborating effectively with other faculty members, extension teams, and educational programs to enhance the impact of research efforts.

• Translating research-based information into educational products and tools for diverse audiences.

• Fulfilling committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and ad hoc tasks as required by the administrative unit, college/division, institute, or university.

The position is a 12-month (calendar year), non-tenure track appointment full time and is 100% research. Review of applications will begin January 22, 2024 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. 

To apply for this job go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_230188. Click “Apply for this job” and then “Faculty Application.” The following documents are required to apply:

• A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job, anticipated contributions, and your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum). See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement.

• Your curriculum vitae.

• Contact information for three professional references.

Job Requirements:

Required:

• A Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related discipline).

• Demonstrated expertise in plant breeding, genetics, statistical analysis, and molecular marker applications.

• Proven ability to optimize and deploy statistical tools and DNA marker information for breeding purposes, with a particular emphasis on advancing research on heterosis, yield gain, hybrid purity, or genetic control of male and female traits in hybrid wheat.

Preferred:

• Experience with wheat breeding and genetics or with other polyploid species.

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

• Leadership skills with the ability to manage laboratory staff and mentor students effectively.

• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and educational activities.