Assistant/Associate Professor in Rice Genomics and Breeding Systems

About the role

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture seeks a tenure‑track faculty member to lead a research program in rice genomics and breeding. The position is 80% research and 20% teaching, holding the Anheuser‑Busch and Arkansas Wholesalers Professorship in Plant Molecular Genetics.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct cutting‑edge research using RNA‑seq, CRISPR, pangenomics, and other multi‑omics approaches to discover and characterize traits important to rice production.
• Collaborate with the university’s two public rice breeding programs to integrate molecular markers, genomic prediction, and rapid trait deployment.
• Secure extramural funding from federal agencies, commodity boards, and industry partners.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and communicate results to breeders, stakeholders, and industry.
• Teach one undergraduate and one graduate course annually in molecular breeding, genomics, or related topics and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, Genomics, or a closely related discipline (required before start date).
• Demonstrated ability to develop a nationally recognized research program and obtain external funding.
• Experience in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments.

Required skills

• RNA‑seq, genomic mapping, functional genomics, molecular marker development.
• CRISPR gene editing, pangenomics, genome assembly, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics.
• High‑throughput gene discovery and multi‑omics data integration.