Assistant Professor

Job TitleAssistant ProfessorAgencyTexas A&M Agrilife ResearchDepartmentVernonProposed Minimum SalaryCommensurateJob LocationVernon, TexasJob TypeFacultyJob Description

Plans and conducts research in plant breeding for cultivars with improved human nutrition and agronomic performance.

Supervises research personnel associated with organic and non-organic field plots.

Oversees management and operation of plant crossing nursery, evaluation plots, and yield trials.

Works as a member of a multi-agency/multi-disciplinary faculty team in conducting crop improvement and human nutrition improvement.

Works with faculty in conducting plant breeding using UAS and Raman spectroscopy.

Collaborates with the small grains and peanut breeding groups.

Analyzes data and writes reports, publications, and presentations.

Writes proposals to obtain grant support for crop improvement and organic cultivar development.

Contributes actively to the development and execution of regional strategic plans, technology transfer, and stakeholder education.

Other jobs related duties as assigned.

General Duties and Responsibilities: Potential specialty crops include chickpeas, edible dry beans and peas, lentils and guar. Potential organic crops include specialty crops and row crops. The AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Vernon, part of the Texas A&M System, is seeking an outstanding scientist specializing in Plant Breeding (100% research) focused on developing cultivars of specialty crops and organic crops to join a multi-disciplinary research center, with faculty expertise in cropping systems, plant physiology, breeding, geospatial hydrology, soil sciences, ag economics and other disciplines.Research should focus on the genetic and physiological basis of desirable traits for human nutrition and quality, while also developing cultivars acclimated to environmental factors including water deficit, salinity, temperature extremes or disease resistance. This individual should be an inter-disciplinary scientist who can use multiple approaches including UAS imaging technologies, genomics, genetics, and gene editing for crop improvement. Required Qualifications and Experience: The applicant will have an earned Ph.D., at time of appointment, in plant breeding, genetics, or physiology and have experience with the latest advances in plant genomics, breeding techniques, and marker assisted selection platforms. This position requires coordinating research on complex biological problems, effective management of technical support staff, strong written and oral communication skills, and a desire to push the scientific envelope. The selected individual will be expected to develop and implement a successful research program, build collaborations, obtain external research funding, publish results in peer reviewed journals, recognize intellectual property, and release cultivars.Preferred Experience: Post-doctoral research experience in Plant Breeding or Genetics appropriate to developing new cultivars is preferred. UAS and remote sensing knowledge and skills are desirable.Additional Documents Required: CV, Research Statement, and 3 references as a single document attached in the application. Questions should be directed to: Dr. Richard Vierling, Center Director (richard.vierling@ag.tamu.edu). Phone: 940-552-9941 ext. 229; Cell: 314-308-5404.All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.Texas A&M AgriLife Research is the state’s premier research and technology development agency in agriculture, natural resources, and the life sciences. Headquartered in College Station, AgriLife Research has a statewide presence, with scientists and research staff on other Texas A&M University System campuses and at the 13 regional Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Centers. We conduct more than 500 projects each year, with more than $202.5 million in research funding for fiscal year 2015. AgriLife Research helps to improve the productivity, efficiency, and profitability of agriculture. At the same time, we focus on conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.Texas A&M AgriLife Research is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.If you need assistance in applying for this job, please contact (979) 845-2423​.Useful Links:

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