Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

Assistant Or Associate Professor Position In Rice Genomics And Breeding Systems

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture invites applications for a 12-month, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position (80% research, 20% teaching) in Rice Genomics and Breeding Systems. This position holds the Anheuser-Busch and Arkansas Wholesalers Professorship in Plant Molecular Genetics, offering enhanced visibility, support, and leadership expectations in molecular genetics and genomics research. The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized research program focused on genomic discovery, trait characterization, molecular breeding methodologies, and the innovation of advanced breeding systems in rice. The position will work closely with the University's two public rice breeding programs to accelerate trait discovery, deployment, and cultivar development.

Responsibilities

Research (80%)

• Conduct research in areas such as RNA-seq, genomic mapping, functional genomics, molecular marker development, high-throughput gene discovery, and genomic characterization of traits important to rice growers, processors, and end users.
• Utilize and advance tools including gene editing (CRISPR and related), pangenomics, genome assembly, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and multi-omics integration.
• Collaborate closely with the University's two rice breeding programs to enable molecular selection, rapid trait deployment, genomic prediction, and marker-enabled variety development.
• Engage interdisciplinary collaborations with plant pathologists, agronomists, food scientists, entomologists, weed scientists, and engineers to expand genomic application across production and quality traits.
• Secure extramural funding from federal agencies (USDA-NIFA, NSF, DOE, USAID), commodity boards, industry partnerships, and multi-institutional initiatives.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and communicate impact to scientists, breeders, stakeholders, and industry partners.

Teaching (20%)

• Teach one undergraduate and one graduate course annually in molecular breeding, genomics, plant molecular biology, or a related specialty.
• Mentor M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students and engage undergraduate students.
• Contribute to curriculum modernization in molecular genetics, omics technologies, and breeding system innovation.

Program Resources and Collaborative Advantages

• An endowed Professorship in Plant Molecular Genetics, providing program visibility and support.
• Strong collaboration pathways with the two public rice breeding programs at the University of Arkansas.
• Molecular laboratories, growth chambers, greenhouse resources, as well as access to AAES's statewide network of research and extension stations, including five Research & Extension Centers and several Research Stations located across Arkansas.
• Access to the Arkansas High-Performance Computing Cluster (AHPCC) for genome-scale data processing and multi-omics integration.
• Synergies with cluster hires in omics integration, phenomics, AI/data analytics, and soybean, wheat, fruit, and vegetable breeding programs.
• Proximity to regional and national rice industry partners, milling and quality evaluation programs, and downstream value-chain collaborators.

Location

This position is based at the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, consistently ranked among the best places to live in the United States.

Department

The Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences is one of eight academic departments in Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, along with the School of Human Environmental Sciences. Resident instruction is provided by 16 faculty members at the Fayetteville campus with approximately 140 undergraduate majors and 60 graduate students. An additional 12 Research and Extension faculty serve clientele at various Research and Extension Centers strategically located around the state. The Department offers Bachelor's degrees in Crop Science and Environmental, Soil, and Water Sciences, along with Master's and Doctoral degrees. The department is in the process of hiring several new faculty members and the incumbent will join an energetic and collaborative cohort of assistant professors.

Application

To be considered, applicants must submit the following materials: 1) Letter of application including a summary of relevant experiences and accomplishments; 2) A vision statement regarding your goals in research for this position; 3) A detailed vitae including a list of publications, funding, and a summary of research and mentoring or teaching activities; 4) Official academic transcripts; and 5) List of three references with mailing and e-mail addresses and phone numbers. Questions regarding applications or the position should be directed to Dr. Paul DeLaune (View email address on click.appcast.io), Department Head Deadline: Screening of applicants will begin Dec 4, 2026 and will continue until a qualified candidate is identified.

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, Genomics, or a closely related discipline.
• Evidence of research productivity in genomics, molecular biology, gene discovery, or trait characterization.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and applied breeding programs.

Preferred

• Experience in rice or closely related cereal crops.
• Experience with gene editing, RNA-seq, genomic selection, or multi-omics integration.
• Demonstrated ability to secure competitive extramural funding.
• Experience mentoring graduate students and contributing to academic program development.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit the following: 1) Letter of application including a summary of relevant experiences and accomplishments; 2) A vision statement regarding your goals in research for this position; 3) A detailed vitae including a list of publications, funding, and a summary of research and mentoring or teaching activities; 4) Official academic transcripts; and 5) List of three references with mailing and e-mail addresses and phone numbers. Questions regarding applications or the position should be directed to Dr. Paul DeLaune (View email address on click.appcast.io), Department Head

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity

Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Standing, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity

Grasping, Hearing, Kneeling, Lifting

Occasional Physical Activity

Balancing, Driving, Walking

Benefits Eligible

Yes