Assistant Professor – Research (Oat Breeding)

About the role

This non‑tenure‑track, 100 % research faculty position leads the LSU AgCenter oat breeding program, focusing on forage and dual‑use varieties suited to the southeastern United States. The role is based at the LSU campus in Baton Rouge with travel required for planting and harvest activities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the oat breeding program, including selection decisions on early‑stage germplasm and late‑stage breeding lines.
• Design, implement, and analyze oat germplasm development nurseries, disease trials, and yield trials.
• Assist with planting, field management, and harvest of all Small Grains trials, supervising undergraduate and graduate student workers as needed.
• Coordinate state small‑grains variety trials, record data, and prepare initial reports for oat and wheat tests.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in crop science, agronomy, plant breeding, or a closely related field.
• Experience managing field equipment and conducting breeding or genetics research.
• Demonstrated expertise in oat or other small‑grain genetics and breeding is highly desired.

Required skills

• Field equipment operation and maintenance.
• Design and statistical analysis of breeding trials.
• Greenhouse management for research purposes.
• Data collection, record‑keeping, and report preparation.

What we offer

• Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including retirement, multiple medical options, supplemental insurances, flexible benefits plan, generous vacation and sick leave, and university holidays.
• Potential educational leave and tuition exemption for LSU System coursework.